New drug to combat C. diff approved for use in Highland hospitals
NHS Highland has become one of the first NHS boards in Scotland to approve the use of a new super drug specifically designed to combat C.diff.
The new drug ‘fidaxomicin’ is alread being used successfully in the United States and is being well received as a more effective treatment for C.difficile which causes sickness and diarrhoea.
Inverness’ Raigmore Hospital has been affected by the bug in recent months which has led to ward closures and people being advised not to visit the region’s main hospital.
The drug has been approved for use by NHS Highland’s formulary sub group.
Highlands & Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has praised local health chiefs for the decision.
He said: "I received a briefing from the manufacturer of the drug back in June and I was aware that the Scottish Medicines Consortium was minded to approve its use by health boards shortly after.
"I am delighted to hear that NHS Highland has given the green light for it to be used in the Highlands’ hospitals.
"While NHS Highland has one of the lowest C.diff rates in Scotland, it is far from complacent on the C.diff issue, as evidenced in the approval being granted for the use of this new super drug."
Mr Stewart continued: "Fidaxomicin is being successfully used in the United States and is generally well received as a more effective treatment for C.diff. Approving its use in the Highlands is a real breakthrough in the fight against C.diff."
