Deaths Linked To MRSA Rose Significantly In England And Wales

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Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 23 Feb 2006 - 15:00 PDT

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The total number of deaths in English and Welsh hospitals linked to MRSA infection in 2003-2004 rose to 1,168, an increase of 22% on the previous year, says the Office for National Statistics.

Saying that MRSA is linked to a death does not necessarily mean it caused it - it means that it was a contributory factor. The majority of deaths were among elderly patients. Figures also revealed that more men suffered from a MRSA linked death than women. Out of every 1000 death certificates in England and Wales, two indicate MRSA infection.

England and Wales' Chief Nursing Officer, Christine Beasley, said that many patients who have MRSA are extremely sick and prone to infection. She said they are ensuring that the NHS has good hand hygiene and clinical procedures to reduce risk of infection. She added "We are now legislating to put a hygiene code and a tougher inspection regime into law, to drive up standards of hygiene and infection control, with ultimate sanctions for trusts who fail to deliver."

Most people believe the NHS is losing the battle against MRSA.

One lady emailed us at Medical News Today:
"The government is always telling us how hard they are trying. But whenever the figures come out, it is clear that their measure are totally inadequate. MRSA is gradually winning the battle."

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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