Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Monday, 16 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

MRSA

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 24 July 2006, Official Report, column 1060W, on MRSA, what assessment she has made of the reasons for the differences in the rates of increase in MRSA-related deaths in each region; and what steps have been taken to reduce MRSA-related deaths in those regions where it is relatively high.

Answer: The numbers of deaths provided in the answer of 24 July 2006, Official Report, column 1060W, are too small to ascertain whether or not there are differences between regions in the rate of change over time.However, combating methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other healthcare associated infections is a priority for Government throughout the country. A target, to halve the number of MRSA bloodstream infections by April 2008 is in place and each trust has its own target. This target is supported by a wide ranging programme and includes the ““Saving Lives”” package of best practice measures all acute trusts have signed up to. In addition, the Department continues to engage those trusts facing the most significant challenges and it will seek to work with trusts most likely to benefit from support tailored to their organisational needs.The recent publication of ““the Health Act 2006—Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Health Care Associated Infections””, will also help drive up standards of hygiene and infection control. The Healthcare Commission will assess compliance with the code as part of its ‘annual Healthcheck’ process from 2007-08 and has a new power to issue an ‘improvement notice’ to a national health service body that in its view is not properly observing the code.

Secondary information