An investigation is under way to find out if the deaths of two elderly patients in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda are linked to a serious outbreak of the superbug C Diff which has led to a major curtailment in services.

There are currently 10 confirmed cases and another two possible patients with the contagious bug which can lead to severe infection and death, particularly among elderly and vulnerable patients. The outbreak came as it emerged that 2,000 patients around the Republic have contracted a potentially fatal superbug in hospitals and other health facilities in the past year.

Inadequate cleaning and infection control measures can lead to the spread of the superbug C Diff — but it can also be brought into hospitals by patients who are admitted.

A spokesperson for the hospital said 13 non-emergency patients had their procedures cancelled yesterday including four who were due for surgery.

However, no outpatient clinics were affected and maternity services are proceeding as normal. The spokesman said that 17 beds in three wards are currently closed to new admissions.

“Infection control procedures have been implemented,” he said.