Five people have died during an outbreak of Clostridium difficile at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Two elderly patients died as a direct result of the infection, while in three patients it was a factor but not a main cause in their deaths.

In total, eight patients in the hospital's ward 31 were found to have C. difficile over the past 10 weeks - seven with the 027 strain.

NHS Tayside said they undertake regular testing of patients in order to detect cases of C. difficile to ensure any outbreak is detected early.

Dr Gabby Phillips, lead infection control doctor for Ninewells Hospital, said on Tuesday: "In line with our infection control procedures and, as a precautionary measure, we closed the ward to new admissions while we were managing the infection and the ward remains closed.

"We have comprehensive infection monitoring procedures throughout our hospitals and these are able to rapidly identify any emerging trends of infection which then trigger a rapid response from our infection control teams.

"These cases of C. diff infection were detected very early which meant we were then able to identify the 027 strain rapidly and reinforce all appropriate infection control measures.

"There have been no new cases identified in the ward for 10 days. I am confident that all appropriate procedures to deal with this infection were put in place immediately.

"Since the beginning of this outbreak we have sought external advice regarding our policies and procedures and we are reassured that our surveillance systems are robust."