Extra cleaning has been introduced at Dumfries and Galloway’s main hospital in a bid to tackle infections.
Officials say there is “some concern” over the continuing increase in cases of clostridium difficile (c.diff).
A healthcare associated infection report tabled for the latest health board meeting revealed there were 35 cases between April and November last year – up from 27 over the same period in 2023.
It highlights the “high trend” in cases between July and November, with at least five cases reported in each of those months.
Executive director of nursing and midwifery, Mark Kelly, admitted there was “some concern” over the rate of cases.
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He added that further cleaning had been introduced at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary to see if that had an impact.
The report also showed there were 21 cases of staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SABs) – three fewer than in 2023.
However, the number of e.coli cases had jumped from 54 to 68.