15 Jul 2005
Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, says: "The NHS is making huge strides to reduce healthcare associated infections such as MRSA and continued efforts and vigilance are essential. The proposed introduction of a code of practice is part of these initiatives.
"Rates of MRSA are already low - there are just 0.17 cases of MRSA bloodstream infections acquired in hospital per 1000 bed days - and latest statistics for April to September 2004 show a 6% reduction compared with the corresponding period in 2003.
"However, more work needs to be done and the battle to beat MRSA can only be won through a genuine partnership between the government, NHS managers, frontline clinical staff, patients and the public.
"That is why we are delighted that the government proposals published today reject the option of introducing criminal sanctions against NHS trusts if the code of practice is breached - singling out individual managers for blame won't help beat MRSA.
"Tough decisions need to be taken to tackle healthcare associated infections but they need to be taken by NHS trusts in partnership with patients, the public and their staff. For example, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust recently consulted its 10,000 staff and community members for their views on plans to control visiting hours and restrict the number of visitors per patient as part of the fight against hospital-acquired infections.
"4,000 members responded to the consultation and 94% agreed that visiting hours should be reduced - the Trust's governors, management committee and board of directors will use these results to implement revised visiting hours."
Dr Morgan says the NHS Confederation is also pleased that the government proposes extending the code of practice to not just NHS trusts but also private hospital and care homes.
The Confederation welcomes the government's acknowledgement that NHS trusts' compliance with the code should be assessed by the Healthcare Commission as part of its annual performance assessment, to minimise extra bureaucratic burdens on the NHS.
Ends
The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS throughout the UK. Its members include the majority of NHS trusts, foundation trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; NHS boards and special boards in Scotland; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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Last reviewed 9 Nov 2006