NHS trusts not meeting MRSA targets
Hand hygiene campaigns have been rolled out in many trusts |
Half of the NHS trusts in England are falling behind the target of reducing the levels of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection by 50 per cent by 2008, recent figures show.
The Health Protection Agency has published data showing that although
many trusts have made significant reductions to infection levels, cases
of infection increased by 1.5 per cent from April to September 2005 compared
with the same period in 2004.
Twenty trusts have been identified as experiencing particular difficulties
in meeting the target, and the Department of Health has announced that
it will be setting up a team of specialists to work with these trusts.
The support teams will help trusts identify the issues currently preventing
a reduction in MRSA levels and help develop action plans with realistic
timescales.
Speaking at a recent seminar in London, Jane Kennedy, Minister of State
for quality and patient safety, said that although improvements are needed
in some trusts, many have made good progress, for example, with the roll
out of hand hygiene campaigns.
“People will soon be able to see that the NHS has raised its standards
and that they can receive treatment with confidence,” she said.
Trusts will be assessed on their performance in meeting the MRSA targets
as part of their 2006 health checks.
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Hospital Pharmacist