A new isolation unit for patients struck down with the potentially deadly superbug Clostridium Difficile, which kills three times more patients than MRSA, has opened at a Black Country hospital.

The highly contagious infection, which mainly affects elderly people over the age of 65 on antibiotics for other illnesses, causes severe diarrhoea.

Nine patients have already been transferred to the 22 bed unit which opened today at Walsall’s Manor Hospital.

It is hoped the new unit, believed to be one of the first in the country, will restrict the spread of the disease.

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A new isolation unit for patients struck down with the potentially deadly superbug Clostridium Difficile, which kills three times more patients than MRSA, has opened at a Black Country hospital.

The highly contagious infection, which mainly affects elderly people over the age of 65 on antibiotics for other illnesses, causes severe diarrhoea.

Nine patients have already been transferred to the 22 bed unit which opened today at Walsall’s Manor Hospital. It is hoped the new unit, believed to be one of the first in the country, will restrict the spread of the disease.

Until now, patients who have C Diff, whether contracted in the community or developed while in hospital, have been treated in separate bays or private rooms in wards throughout the hospital.

In July Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust reported there had been 213 cases of c diff in the past year compared to 176 during 2004.

The new High Dependency Isolation Unit is being staffed by senior nurses highly trained in dealing with infectious diseases, a specialist microbiologist, who will tour the ward daily, specially-trained pharmacists to make sure that the best combination of drugs are prescribed and consultants who specialise in care of elderly patients.

Sue James, the trust’s chief executive, said: “We believe this is an innovative approach to a national issue. We already have a very good track record for dealing with MRSA.”