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MRSA rates at record low
14/01/2009
Rates of hospital 'superbugs' are falling in Scotland, according to latest statistics published today, with MRSA levels at their lowest level since reporting began.
The figures from Health Protection Scotland show rates of clostridium difficile (C.diff) are also down.
Among the reports' findings are:
- MRSA rates are at their lowest level since monitoring began in 2003
- MRSA rates have fallen for six consecutive quarters
- C.diff levels are down 17 per cent on the previous quarter and two per cent on the same quarter last year
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Tackling healthcare associated infections - to give the public confidence in the quality of NHS hospital care - is one of this government's top priorities.
"I believe today's reports give real cause for optimism. We're now seeing MRSA rates at their lowest since the end of 2003, having fallen for six quarters in a row.
"Meanwhile C.diff rates are also down. While seasonal factors may be partly responsible for the reduction from the previous quarter, it is encouraging there has also been a drop compared to the same quarter last year.
"It is also heartening that the HPS report acknowledges that this quarter's reduction is likely to be, at least in part, due to the intensive efforts being made to tackle this infection. But it is early days and it's vital everyone remains vigilant.
"These reports show that the strenuous efforts, and significant investment, being made by the government and NHS boards is beginning to reap rewards but we can do more. We're making good progress - the challenge now is to ensure we build on this to eliminate all avoidable infections from our hospitals."
The latest figures are for July to September 2008.
The Scottish Government is committed to reducing all staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (including MRSA) by 30 per cent by 2010. The government's new target for C.diff is to reduce infections by 30 per cent by 2011 for over 65s.
The Scottish Government is investing £54 million over three years in a range of initiatives designed to tackle HAIs. These include a national MRSA screening programme, prudent prescribing of antibiotics, zero tolerance on hand hygiene, 100 per cent single room provision in all new build hospitals and a Care Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.