Shock over superbugs
Bosses at Stafford and Cannock hospitals today "held up their hands" and admitted they needed to do more to tackle deadly superbugs – as they revealed there had been more than 100 cases in three months.
Mid Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has now pledged a "zero tolerance" approach to MRSA and C.diff infections in a bid to stamp them out.
The move follows the latest figures relating to cases at the trust's hospitals, Staffordshire General and Cannock Chase, from January to March this year.
Released by the Health Protection Agency today, they reveal that there were 90 cases of Clostridium Difficile (C.diff) and 13 cases of MRSA.
Chief executive Martin Yeates said the figures represented 3.43 cases of C.diff per 1,000 bed days for patients aged over 65, who are most at risk from the infection, and was a lower rate than the average for hospitals in the West Midlands.
The rate for MRSA was higher than average for the region, standing at 0.33 per 1,000 bed days.
Mr Yeates said the trust was spending an extra £400,000 this year on measures to control infection but knew more needed to be done. He said: "During the last year our infection prevention and control team, and staff throughout the hospital, have increasingly focused upon cleanliness and other measures to stop the spread of infection. We are developing a 'zero tolerance' approach to hospital-acquired infections and we are actively driving for not just a reduction but for an elimination.
Training
"We have invested heavily in equipment and staff training and, as part of our pledge to be the 'cleanest place in town', we have committed an extra £100,000 this year into the housekeeping service.
"This is in addition to the £300,000 grant from the Department of Health to be spent on clean steam generators, washer disinfectors and other equipment to decontaminate surgical instruments, as well as a new testing kit that can diagnose MRSA earlier.
"While these measures are taking some effect – for instance, the rate of C.diff in our hospitals between January and March this year slowed down – I think now is the time to hold up our hands and say we must do even more."
Medical director Dr Val Suarez said the hospitals were now launching a major campaign to urge patients, staff and visitors to wash their hands to prevent infection spreading.
She added: "Every time a patient is touched by a healthcare professional or a visitor several thousand bacteria can be transmitted – and even a small improvement in hand hygiene can have a big impact on the transmission of infection."
The trust has taken a variety of steps to prevent infections spreading, such as moving those affected to a side room or separate area, better cleaning of wards and beds, plus a review of how antibiotics are prescribed.
