Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harty for raising this very important matter today. Multidrug-resistant infections and resistance to antibiotics are an ongoing and evolving international risk for all health care providers. I can assure the House that the prevention and control of health care associated infections, HCAIs, and antimicrobial resistance, AMR, is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Government.

I am advised that Irish hospitals, like other hospitals internationally, are taking steps to reduce health care associated infections and antimicrobial resistance including the prudent use of antibiotics. I am aware of the challenges in tackling multidrug-resistant superbug infection rates in all hospitals including at University Hospital Limerick. The hospital has confirmed that it has a focused quality improvement plan in place to tackle the issues of control of HCAIs and AMR. This is in line with recommendations of the HIQA unannounced inspection reports at the hospital on 28 November 2014 and 13 January 2015. This includes an intensive screening programme for the detection of carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae, CRE, as it is known, among high risk patients. An isolation ward for the mitigation of any risk of cross-transmission of newly detected or known positive patients; adoption of strict contact precautions, dedicated equipment and a highly intensive cleaning regimen; speedy laboratory procedures to ensure results regarding infections available within 24 hours; good communication among microbiologists and with all relevant parties on detection of a new case; and good communication with patients and GPs and other health care worker contacts to inform GPs of their patients’ status.

A wide range of initiatives has been put in place in the Irish health system over several years to tackle HCAIs and AMR, covering improved surveillance of infections, prescribing, infection prevention and control processes. It also includes antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and public and professional awareness-raising with a significant emphasis on the education and training of health care professionals. Ireland is also developing a national action plan on AMR in line with the World Health Organization’s 2015 global action plan on AMR and the European Council’s 2016 conclusions, "The next steps under a 'One Health' approach to combat antimicrobial resistance". The national action plan is being developed with the oversight and guidance of the interdepartmental AMR consultative committee. The committee was established in 2014 by our Department’s Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in recognition of the need for a whole of Government approach to tackling the issue of AMR. This intersectoral approach crosses the health, veterinary and environmental spheres to encompass all stakeholders' efforts to address what is a worldwide concern. This work will continue in 2017. It is intended that the national action plan will be published in 2017. Tackling AMR will require the whole system to prioritise key initiatives, working with our international colleagues. Ireland is fully committed to, and engaged in, addressing resolution of the problem of AMR and will continue to collaborate at international, EU and national levels to this end.

Nationally, I expect that the HSE will place particular emphasis on prevention and management of HCAIs and AMR in its service planning for 2017.

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