Statement From The Secretary Of State On The Health Protection Agency Figures, UK

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 05 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Health Secretary Alan Johnson said

"It is encouraging that today's figures from the HPA show continued reductions in MRSA and C. difficile infections in those who are most at risk - the over 65s.

"Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant challenge for health services around the world, including the NHS, and we are determined to tackle them.

"We are the only country in the world to impose mandatory, universal surveillance of MRSA and C. dfficile including for the first time gathering information on C. difficile in those under 65. We have also raised the bar to ensure that the highest possible hygiene standards are set for Trusts.

"The measures that we have introduced over the past months - including £50million funding to reduce infections, increasing the number of matrons to 5,000, 'bare below the elbows' guidance, the establishment of the Care Quality Commission and plans to screen all patients for MRSA - show that ensuring patient safety is our absolute priority. "

http://www.dh.gov.uk