Although the NHS has made some improvement in fighting Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals, latest figures show that in 2007 there were 9,000 deaths recorded with or Clostridium difficile infections as the underlying cause of a contributory factor.
The public accounts committee hearing into quality and safety of NHS healthcare heard evidence that every year over 300,000 patients in England acquire a healthcare associated infection whilst in hospital.
These infections cost the NHS more than £1bn a year, MPs were informed. They are caused by a variety of organisms and lead to a range of symptoms from minor discomfort to serious disability.
In 2000, the committee concluded that the NHS did not have a grip on the extent and costs of hospital acquired infection and that without robust data it was difficult to see how they could target activity and resources to best effect. In 2005, this committee found that the progress in improving infection prevention and control had been patchy and there was a distinct lack of urgency on key issues such as ward cleanliness and compliance with good hand hygiene.
Edward Leigh, chair of the public accounts committee, today said: "Healthcare associated infections cost the NHS more than £1bn a year and can lead to serious disability and in some cases death.
"This is the third time that this committee has reported on the subject and it is disappointing that the Department of Health still has not taken on board a number of key recommendations.
"There has been progress. The department has achieved significant reductions in MRSA bloodstream and Clostridium difficile infections, for which it set national targets. But, in so doing, it has taken its eye off the ball regarding all other healthcare associated infections - which actually constitute most by far (four-fifths) of all infections. The best available evidence is that other – just as deadly but also avoidable – infections, such as surgical site infections and pneumonias, have increased."
From Bubb's Blog
From Whitehall Watch
