Hygiene failures undermine the war against MRSA in Scotland
14:11 - 06/09/2011
Hygiene failures undermine the war ag...
It has been reported that the poor hygiene practices of medical staff are hindering efforts to tackle the spread of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in Scottish hospitals.
Preventing and controlling infections such as MRSA is a national priority for NHS Scotland but new research suggests that many patients still leave hospitals carrying the infection despite the introduction of a mass screening process.
As part of the routine MRSA screening, introduced earlier this year, patients are tested to see if they are “colonised” with the bacteria, meaning that it is living harmlessly on their skin. If this is found to be the case, they can be treated to prevent an infection developing and being passed on to others.
However, recent figures show that the number of people entering Scottish hospitals with the infection is almost equal to the number leaving hospital with it. The news follows recent reports that, elsewhere in the UK, the number of deaths from the superbug continues to fall.
Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that there has been a 38% fall in deaths from MRSA in England and Wales since 2009, and that the latest figure is four times less than the peak recorded in 2006, when the death toll reached 1,652. Deaths from Clostridium Difficile (commonly known as C. Difficile) are also falling.
Across England and Wales, the number of recorded cases of both infections has hit a record low, with total monthly cases falling below 100 for the first time in June this year. A total of 25 hospital trusts have now been free of MRSA for 12 months.
NHS Scotland are aiming to reduce the spread of infections such as MRSA and have established specialist infection control teams to manage this. They have said that education, guidelines and advice on infection control is available to all staff members.
As she announced the implementation of routine MRSA screening earlier in the year, Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary for Scotland, said: “I’ve made tackling healthcare associated infections – such as MRSA – a priority and we’ve put in place a range of measures which are driving infection rates down.”
However, it is claimed that many medics in Scotland may be undermining these efforts by failing to follow basic infection control guidelines, such as washing hands. First Response Training can offer training in Infection Control and MRSA and C. Difficile Awareness. These short courses meet the Skills for Care Common Induction Standards and Care Quality Commission requirements and have links to QCF Level 2.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Anyone working within a healthcare environment should have a good understanding of infection control and techniques for reducing healthcare-associated infections like MRSA. Following the principles of infection control and taking responsibility for helping to limit the spread of HCAI, can help to reduce the risk to patients, visitors and staff. It is vital training.”
First Response can also offer a 3-hour CIEH-accredited Hygiene in Health and Social Care training course. For more information on any of these courses, please call First Response today on free phone 0800 310 2300.
Preventing and controlling infections such as MRSA is a national priority for NHS Scotland but new research suggests that many patients still leave hospitals carrying the infection despite the introduction of a mass screening process.
As part of the routine MRSA screening, introduced earlier this year, patients are tested to see if they are “colonised” with the bacteria, meaning that it is living harmlessly on their skin. If this is found to be the case, they can be treated to prevent an infection developing and being passed on to others.
However, recent figures show that the number of people entering Scottish hospitals with the infection is almost equal to the number leaving hospital with it. The news follows recent reports that, elsewhere in the UK, the number of deaths from the superbug continues to fall.
Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that there has been a 38% fall in deaths from MRSA in England and Wales since 2009, and that the latest figure is four times less than the peak recorded in 2006, when the death toll reached 1,652. Deaths from Clostridium Difficile (commonly known as C. Difficile) are also falling.
Across England and Wales, the number of recorded cases of both infections has hit a record low, with total monthly cases falling below 100 for the first time in June this year. A total of 25 hospital trusts have now been free of MRSA for 12 months.
NHS Scotland are aiming to reduce the spread of infections such as MRSA and have established specialist infection control teams to manage this. They have said that education, guidelines and advice on infection control is available to all staff members.
As she announced the implementation of routine MRSA screening earlier in the year, Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary for Scotland, said: “I’ve made tackling healthcare associated infections – such as MRSA – a priority and we’ve put in place a range of measures which are driving infection rates down.”
However, it is claimed that many medics in Scotland may be undermining these efforts by failing to follow basic infection control guidelines, such as washing hands. First Response Training can offer training in Infection Control and MRSA and C. Difficile Awareness. These short courses meet the Skills for Care Common Induction Standards and Care Quality Commission requirements and have links to QCF Level 2.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Anyone working within a healthcare environment should have a good understanding of infection control and techniques for reducing healthcare-associated infections like MRSA. Following the principles of infection control and taking responsibility for helping to limit the spread of HCAI, can help to reduce the risk to patients, visitors and staff. It is vital training.”
First Response can also offer a 3-hour CIEH-accredited Hygiene in Health and Social Care training course. For more information on any of these courses, please call First Response today on free phone 0800 310 2300.
Make your selections below and enter your postcode (if applicable). This will provide you with information about a course in a location convenient to you
