MRSA and C.difficile deaths at their lowest since records began
THE number of patients dying from healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) such as MRSA and C.difficile has dropped by more than a third in a year, according to new figures.
A report by the National Office of Statistics shows that in England and Wales during 2010 the number of deaths from MRSA fell by 40%, while cases of C.difficile were down 31% on the previous year.
In total, 485 deaths were recorded where MRSA was mentioned, compared to a peak of 1,652 in 2006. Where C.difficile was concerned, there were 2,704 deaths linked to the infection in 2010, compared to a high of 8,324 in 2007. These figures related to deaths in the over-85s age group. Health Minister, Anne Milton, said: "It is welcome news that fewer people are dying and that there have been major reductions in 2010 compared to the previous year. This reflects the overall progress we have seen over the past year in reducing these infections."
But she added that more work had to be done to further reduce infection prevalence, saying: "We have been absolutely clear that the NHS should take a zero tolerance approach to all avoidable infections and there should be further improvements. The public expects to be treated in a clean and safe environment and this is what the NHS must provide."
We reported last month that, for the first time, 25 hospitals had managed to stay MRSA free for a whole year.