Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 18 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 February 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 24 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the incidence of MRSA in hospitals in Sussex. - Inc figure.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the incidence of MRSA in hospitals in Sussex. [217032] Ms Rosie Winterton: There have been 262 reports of methicillin resistant "Staphylococcus aureus" (MRSA) bacteraemia by trusts in Sussex from April 2003 to March 2004. It is for primary care trusts in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders to determine how best to meet national and local priorities for improving health, and modernising services, including reducing hospital infections. I am advised that acute trusts in Sussex are working hard to reduce the incidence of MRSA and have clear policies and strategies in place to help them achieve this.

Secondary information