MRSA Infection
- Date: 2009-10-09 - Word Count: 565
Share This!
Good news as MRSA infection cases fall
The number of MRSA cases has dropped by a third compared with the same period last year, official figures from the Health Protection Agency have shown. There were 725 reported cases of the superbug from July to September 2008, down 13% on the previous quarter. The figures are down by 33% on the previous year's number of 1,082.
This can only be a good thing, and government officials have been quick to congratulate the health authorities in their efforts to combat the disease. The Healthcare Commission said that the figures show that the NHS is 'coming to grips with MRSA infection', but all commentators have said that the drive to eradicate the disease in UK hospitals must not lose momentum.
MRSA is a mutation of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (SA), which is a common type of bacteria living harmlessly in the nose or on the skin of around a quarter of the population. Most people do not even realize that they are carrying the germ. For normally healthy people the bacteria does not pose a risk, but for those with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from surgery or illness, the bacteria can be deadly. The mutated version that makes up MRSA is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat similar infections, and is easily transmitted by direct contact. When MRSA first came to notice, it was quickly discovered that something as simple as an antibacterial hand gel could help to reduce the instances of the disease being spread by contact. Health authorities have universally introduced the use of handpumps at all strategic points in a hospital in an effort to reduce the bacteria being spread.
However, hand gel isn't the magic bullet that has caused the drop in cases over the past few months. This was just one implementation that was brought in by health authorities to try and combat the disease. MRSA thrives in dirty conditions and the hospitals had to clean up their act very quickly, introducing more frequent 'deep cleaning' of wards and a more rigorous hygiene regime. Medical negligence claims highlighted the poor standards of cleanliness in some hospitals as directly responsible for cases of the disease, and the trusts not only had the spotlight of publicity shined on them but were also financially impacted by the claims as well. This tipped the balance in favour of prevention rather than cure and the NHS has worked hard at raising the standard across the board.
The figures show that the NHS and health authorities have done an excellent job in redressing the problems that led to MRSA's rise to notoriety, but now the emphasis has shifted to maintaining that momentum and pushing the disease further into remission. There is still plenty of room for improvement and the spotlight is kept focused on the disease by patients who sue the NHS over cases of the disease. These cases emphasize that the duty of care to patients is still paramount, and that includes providing patients with a clean environment that is not conducive to the growth of superbugs. NHS trusts are taking infection prevention and control very seriously and this has played a key role in the decline in MRSA cases. If the NHS continues to maintain its current standards and to improve upon them, there will be fewer medical negligence claims for MRSA infection and, more importantly, fewer victims.
The number of MRSA cases has dropped by a third compared with the same period last year, official figures from the Health Protection Agency have shown. There were 725 reported cases of the superbug from July to September 2008, down 13% on the previous quarter. The figures are down by 33% on the previous year's number of 1,082.
This can only be a good thing, and government officials have been quick to congratulate the health authorities in their efforts to combat the disease. The Healthcare Commission said that the figures show that the NHS is 'coming to grips with MRSA infection', but all commentators have said that the drive to eradicate the disease in UK hospitals must not lose momentum.
MRSA is a mutation of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (SA), which is a common type of bacteria living harmlessly in the nose or on the skin of around a quarter of the population. Most people do not even realize that they are carrying the germ. For normally healthy people the bacteria does not pose a risk, but for those with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from surgery or illness, the bacteria can be deadly. The mutated version that makes up MRSA is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat similar infections, and is easily transmitted by direct contact. When MRSA first came to notice, it was quickly discovered that something as simple as an antibacterial hand gel could help to reduce the instances of the disease being spread by contact. Health authorities have universally introduced the use of handpumps at all strategic points in a hospital in an effort to reduce the bacteria being spread.
However, hand gel isn't the magic bullet that has caused the drop in cases over the past few months. This was just one implementation that was brought in by health authorities to try and combat the disease. MRSA thrives in dirty conditions and the hospitals had to clean up their act very quickly, introducing more frequent 'deep cleaning' of wards and a more rigorous hygiene regime. Medical negligence claims highlighted the poor standards of cleanliness in some hospitals as directly responsible for cases of the disease, and the trusts not only had the spotlight of publicity shined on them but were also financially impacted by the claims as well. This tipped the balance in favour of prevention rather than cure and the NHS has worked hard at raising the standard across the board.
The figures show that the NHS and health authorities have done an excellent job in redressing the problems that led to MRSA's rise to notoriety, but now the emphasis has shifted to maintaining that momentum and pushing the disease further into remission. There is still plenty of room for improvement and the spotlight is kept focused on the disease by patients who sue the NHS over cases of the disease. These cases emphasize that the duty of care to patients is still paramount, and that includes providing patients with a clean environment that is not conducive to the growth of superbugs. NHS trusts are taking infection prevention and control very seriously and this has played a key role in the decline in MRSA cases. If the NHS continues to maintain its current standards and to improve upon them, there will be fewer medical negligence claims for MRSA infection and, more importantly, fewer victims.
We deal in a range of claims, including medical negligence and compensation.n
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- How to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Toronto
There is no question that suffering from a personal injury is an incredibly difficult thing to have - Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
Should you be the victim of an accident that just simply was not your fault and you have received an - DUI Perpetrators Must Seek Expert Help
It is obvious, as we progress further into the future, that behavior that puts others at risk is not - To Find the Best New York Attorney Buffalo is Still the Best Choice
If you need an attorney in New York, you would surely have a lot of options. New York has 10 cities - If You Need a Great Wisconsin Attorney Madison is the Way to Go
Are you in need of a great Wisconsin attorney? If you are from Wisconsin and need a great attorney M - What Is The Importance Of An LLP Agreement
An LLP agreement is an important contract, since without such a document the Limited Liability Partn - Personal Injury Lawyers - Knowing If You Are Entitled For a Claim
No doubts accidents do take place; however that does not mean that you should take up the liabilitie - Personal Injury Lawyers - Claiming Compensation For Your Injuries Some Tips
When you are injured, the next thing is you should know what legal rights you have; this will provid - Personal Injury Lawyers Help Victims of Car Accident Claim Financial Damages
People living in Toronto go to work through different modes of transports like trains, buses and car - Personal Injury Lawyers - Get Help at Your Doorstep When Injured
As soon as you are involved in an accident, it is usually quite common for you to be injured maybe i
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Mesothelioma Lawyer - Asbestos Attorney - Mesothelioma Lawsuits & Lung Cancer Information
Mesothelioma is one of the most tragic diseases ever to strike the working man. Due to decades of m - Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer Courts
The Michigan Courts were created by the Constitution of 1963, Article VI, and Section 1, under which - What is Entrapment?
Question: What is entrapment?Criminal Defense Lawyer: Entrapment is a defense raised by a defendan - Top 10 Tips On How To Win Your Road Traffic Accident Case
If you happen to be pursuing this thing right now then here are the top ten tips on how to win your - Agency Law
Agency Law The origins of the doctrine of necessitous intervention by someone who is in a legal rel - Procedure Of DWI In U.S.A.
ALR (Administrative License Revocation) A Program to suspend the driving license Of Drivers Which a - Mesothelioma Lawsuits Surging in United States
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease where malignant cells develop in the lining of the chest or the - Forensic DNA Testing
Forensics is defined as the study of evidence found at a crime scene and used in a court of law. For - Arizona Drunk Driving Law, Az Drunk Driving Law & Arizona Drunk Driving Charges
Arizona drunk driving is one of the most common and deadly mistakes in Arizona while driving. Defens - Worried About the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
Do you work for a financial institution that collects debts? If so, do you know whether the Fair De