Supporting care homes to cut C difficile reinfections.

After putting in place measures to reduce C difficile in hospital, our trust found that patients in the community were experiencing recurrences of infection, which can lead to readmission. We launched a project in which care homes receive a free or part-funded deep clean of residents' rooms, and skilled nurses offer support to care home staff. This has led to a reduction in recurrences of C difficile. This initiative won the Infection Prevention and Control category of the 2012 Nursing Times Awards.