Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 493: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on a leaked Health Service Executive report indicating that as many as 250 people annually die from MRSA contracted in Irish hospitals, despite virtually no such fatalities being properly attributable to the hospital acquired infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10367/07]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 494: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on a leaked Health Service Executive report which indicates that the numbers of people contracting MRSA in hospitals is five times higher than the levels shown by official records; her proposals to address this critical situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10368/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together.

It is understood that the figure quoted in the question of 250 annual deaths in Irish hospitals is an extrapolation of United Kingdom data. This figure relates to Health Care Associated Infection, HCAI, generally, of which MRSA would be one element only. I should add that this does not mean that patients died from a health care associated infection but simply that it was present at the time of death.

The Third Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Hospitals was carried out by the UK and Ireland Hospital Infection Society between February and May 2006 and noted that Ireland has emerged with the lowest rate of health care associated infections of the countries studied.

Over 7,500 patients were surveyed in 44 acute Irish hospitals with the overall figure of MRSA infection emerging as under 0.5% — lower than their UK level of 1.5%. The overall rate of Health Care Associated Infection, HCAI, which included MRSA related infection, was significantly lower in Irish hospitals. While the UK hospitals recorded an overall figure of 7.6%, Irish hospitals recorded an overall figure of 4.9%. The 4.9% varied depending on the type of hospital surveyed: from 6% in regional/tertiary hospitals, to 4.2% in general hospitals and 2% in specialist hospitals. This variation can in part be explained by the type of activity or the profile of the patients treated by each type of hospital.

Comparing with other countries, Ireland's overall HCAI figure of 4.9% compares favourably: Australia 6%; France 6-10%; Norway7%; Netherlands 7%; Spain 8%; USA 5-10%; and Denmark 8%. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has recently published an Infection Control Plan including governance and performance management, clear outcome targets for all hospitals, clear hygiene and infection control standards, an improved physical environment, initiatives on reducing antibiotics and education of the public and of health professionals.

The HSE has agreed as a matter of priority to implement this plan so that patients can be assured that their chances of contracting an infection will be at the lowest level possible. There must be a corporate commitment throughout the HSE, and health services generally, evidence-based guidelines, clear responsibility and accountability and a full recognition that patients and their families have a definite role to play in preventing HCAI. My Department will be closely monitoring and evaluating the progress made by the HSE in the management and control of HCAI and MRSA.

In regard to patient safety, I established the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance last January. A key objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. The Commission is chaired by Dr. Deirdre Madden BL and will report back to me within 18 months.