Don't schools teach about Lister these days?

[Guest guest]

The number of deaths linked to the hospital superbug MRSA has risen

by nearly a quarter, statistics show.

The Office for National Statistics data revealed that between 2003

and 2004 the mentions of MRSA on death certificates increased by 22%

to 1,168.

 

It does not necessarily mean the superbug was the cause of death,

just that it contributed to it.

 

Most of the deaths were in the older age groups and rates were higher

among men than women.

 

MRSA was mentioned on two out of every 1,000 deaths certificates in

England and Wales, the statistics showed.

 

But it was cited as the underlying cause on 360 - up from 195 in

2000.

 

It is clear that MRSA and hospital infections are winning the war

in many of our wards

 

Michael Summers, of the Patients Association

 

The figures have been published a few months before the Healthcare

Commission launches a study into why some trusts have lower MRSA

rates than others.

 

Despite the rise, Chief Nursing Officer Christine Beasley said: " It

is important to put this in to context.

 

" These figures show that out of the 12m people that go in to hospital

in a year about 360 of them probably die directly of MRSA, but it is

unacceptable for anyone to die unnecessarily from infections.

 

" Many people who have MRSA are very, very sick people prone to

infection and not all infections are avoidable, but we are ensuring

that the NHS has good hand hygiene and clinical procedures to prevent

the ones that are.

 

" We are now legislating to put a hygiene code and a tougher

inspection regime into law, to drive up standards of hygiene and

infection control, with ultimate sanctions for trusts who fail to

deliver. "

 

But Patients Association chairman Michael Summers said: " We are

disappointed by these new figures.

 

" It is clear that MRSA and hospital infections are winning the war in

many of our wards. "

 

He added simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands, could have a

huge impact and should be taken by everyone in hospitals. "

 

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley added: " The government is

still failing to tackle the problem, despite pledges to the contrary.

 

" Every time a worse statistic is released, patient confidence in the

government's policy is undermined further. "

 

And Karen Jennings, head of health at Unison, said: " It's time to get

back to basics and bring in more cleaners to make sure that hospital

wards and departments are kept clean and infection free.

 

" Hospital cleaners are battling against the odds with too many wards

to clean and not enough staff.

 

" They complain about cheap disinfectants, shoddy equipment, and a

lack of training which are all barriers to cleaner hospitals. "