The newly competitive nature of the NHS makes it even more important for Trusts to consider the reputational risks that could result from adverse healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) rates. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports.
According to a Health Protection Agency (HPA) report published in 2012,1 rates of MRSA infection, the best-known antibiotic-resistant ‘superbug’ in British hospitals, has fallen significantly in recent years. However, the same report also warned that over 6% of English hospital patients still acquire some form of infection during their stay.
So, although the UK authorities’ decision to specifically target MRSA and C. difficile reduction has been successful, it would appear that a broader set of initiatives directed at HCAIs, and measures to prevent them, is now required.
The success of existing UK campaigns to reduce MRSA infection rates has demonstrated that HCAIs are, to a significant extent, preventable. Currently the Department of Health advocates the adoption of ‘high impact interventions’ – evidence-based bundles of procedures known to reduce the risk of infection for a given HCAI.
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