Further rise in MRSA bacteraemia cases
Reported cases of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemias in UK hospitals have increased by 3.6 per cent in the past year to 7,647 per annum, according to the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency.
The Government set out further proposals for dealing with MRSA in a report “Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection”, published on 12
July. Experts from countries with low rates of MRSA, such as the Netherlands,
will be brought in to advise the NHS on reducing infection rates.
Jonathan Cooke, director of pharmacy, South Manchester University Hospitals
NHS Trust, and a member of the Standing Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial
Resistance, said: “Any initiative that might reduce MRSA rates
is a good idea worth looking at.”
Other plans set out in the report include a requirement for every hospital
to publish its infection rates and trends. Acute trusts will be set targets
for cutting MRSA rates. A “Think clean day” will also be
introduced — hospitals will inspect their own facilities and take
immediate action to remedy shortcomings. Patients and visitors are to
be given direct access to cleaning services via bedside telephones and
matrons will be put in charge of cleaners. The Government also plans
to host a science summit to advise on the best avenues for new research
into hospital infections.
Hospital-acquired infection is now given a higher profile in trusts,
according to the latest progress report on hospital-acquired infection
from the National Audit Office, published on 14 July. However, the pursuit
of other key NHS policies and priorities is thought to be standing in
the way of more progress. |
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