Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

There were 445 reported cases of MRSA blood-stream infection in 2002, 480 cases in 2003 and 550 cases in 2004. The figure for the first six months of 2005 is 314 cases. The increase in the reported number of cases of MRSA in recent years is mainly due to increased surveillance as a result of more laboratories participating in the reporting process. It is difficult to identify the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA as many people also have significant other medical problems. I have already asked the Health Service Executive to develop systems and methodologies of reporting of MRSA infections by hospital, so we may have a fuller picture of the location and extent of these infections.

Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital acquired infections, including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA. Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective measures that can be used to stop the spread of MRSA and other infections.

I expect to receive a report shortly from the director of the National Hospitals Office on the national hygiene audit. The results of the audit will form the basis for the changes that are required in work environments and work practices so as to meet the highest possible standards of cleanliness in hospital settings. I have already promised that the results of the hygiene audit will be made public. The HSE will also publish national infection control standards and national cleaning standards, which are a consistent and robust set of hygiene standards for hospitals. Where previously standards may have depended on the approach of a particular hospital or health board, the HSE can now ensure every hospital will share and meet the same high standards of cleanliness and infection control. My Department is continuing to engage with the HSE to agree a series of actions over the coming period so MRSA can be effectively dealt with, so as to achieve a reduction in the incidence and effects of these infections.

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