Orthopaedic wards and theatres are being deep-cleaned

Derriford Hospital in Plymouth is cleaning orthopaedic wards and theatres in an attempt to solve the problem.

Plymouth Hospitals Trust says infection rates in the hospital are monitored constantly, to keep the risk to patients as low as possible.

The hospital found the infection rates among patients undergoing major joint surgery had increased.

Developed infections

Between July and September, the infection rate was 5.4% for knee operations - amounting to four out of 73 patients.

For hip replacements, 4.8% of patients had developed infections following surgery - six out of 125 patients. The national average is between 1% and 3%.

The hospital says it does not know why the infection rate has increased.

A spokesperson said the infections were due to a range of bacteriological organisms.

Private operations

As a precautionary measure, staff are reviewing the processes for joint surgery and carrying out a deep clean of the orthopaedic wards and theatres.

This involves cleaning all areas patients use in the hospital, from the time they arrive until they are discharged.

The Plymouth Hospital Trust's Infection Control Team will scrutinise the work done in the wards and theatres to ensure staff are following best practice.

The cleaning is due to end this Friday.

Eight patients booked in for major joint surgery have had their operations postponed until the start of November, or have been booked into private hospitals for surgery.