Gordon Brown Praises NHS Staff On Reductions In C. Difficile And MRSA Infections, UK

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 22 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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NHS staff should be "proud of their achievements" the PM says following news of large reductions in C.difficile and MRSA infections.

Health Protection Agency figures released earlier today show that the rate of infection has been reduced by more than a third in the last 12 months.

MRSA infections are now down 57 per cent since 2004, exceeding the NHS target.

In a letter to health professionals, Mr Brown said that the "tremendous achievement" would protect the reputation of the NHS as one of the country's greatest institutions.

The PM added:

"… no-one should be in any doubt that cuts in infections and safer hospitals are ultimately down to the hard-working staff of the NHS.

"All the measures we have taken have been designed to empower you and without you these huge improvements would not be possible."

He went on to say that the UK is on its way to creating the best and fairest health system in the world. Achieving it will require serious change, trusting frontline staff and investment he said.

-- Read the letter to NHS staff

www.number10.gov.uk