The number of deaths involving Clostridium difficile (C diff) fell in England and Wales last year after action was taken to reduce levels of hospital bugs.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the number of deaths where C diff was mentioned on the death certificate fell by 31% to 2,704 between 2009 and 2010.
The figure peaked at 8,324 in 2007. C diff is an infection sometimes spread on the hands of healthcare staff who come into contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces.
Improved disinfection and hand-washing can reduce the spread of infection.