The HCAI AND CLEANLINESS DIVISION was set up by the Department of Health to provide support and improve knowledge, skills and practice in infection prevention and control.
Improving cleanliness and reducing HCAI is one of the top priorities for the NHS as all patients have a right to clean and safe treatment wherever and whenever they are treated. The division works with Trusts and healthcare organisations to embed sustainable systems to reduce HCAI, and deliver clean, safe care to patients. The team’s work has helped the NHS to deliver a 57% reduction in cases of MRSA bacteraemia between 2003/04 and 2007/08. This has prevented 5,000 patients from acquiring MRSA bacteraemias. The three-year 30% target to reduce Clostridium difficile has been delivered in 12 months, with a 36% reduction. This has prevented 20,000 people from acquiring this infection. www.clean-safe-care.nhs.uk
