Healthcare Leader Speaks Out On Latest Hospital "Epidemic"

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 23 Jun 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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A global healthcare senior executive has called the latest infection threat to confront the NHS "a national epidemic". Whilst Government statements imply that hospital acquired infections are in decline Jim Taylor, a former Smith & Nephew President and now CEO of infection prevention specialist Saniguard International, says that Norovirus is now an increasing threat to our NHS wards. His company is launching PatientGuard this month - an anti-infection kit created specifically for the UK public, designed to help halt the spread of viruses (including Norovirus & H1N1) & bacteria (including MRSA).

His concern is backed up by the latest Department of Health statistics released on the 8 June which reveal a 23% increase in laboratory reports of Norovirus outbreaks in NHS hospitals and an incredible 282 ward closures this year as a result of the outbreaks. In addition the British Medical Association (BMA) claimed this month that a high throughput of patients and an over-reliance on deep cleans and alcohol hand gels is undermining the Government's efforts in the fight against healthcare acquired infections (HAIs).

Taylor comments "whilst less life-threatening than MRSA, Norovirus can have serious implications for those in hospital who are already weakened by other conditions. Research shows that the areas most likely to harbour infections include bed linen, nightgowns and near-patient hand touch sites such as bedside tables. It is understandable that the public would wish to take matters into their own hands by adopting their own anti-infection measures in hospital".

Source
Patient Guard