Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of recorded incidents of MRSA each year in the past five years; the degree to which she or her Department are successfully combating such occurrences; if she will reassure the public in regard to safety from MRSA in the event of hospitalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24037/07]

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

MRSA is not a notifiable disease. However, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE collects data on MRSA. The data is collected on the first episode of bloodstream infection of MRSA per patient per quarter. This system shows that there were 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 592 cases in 2005 and 588 cases in 2006. Figures for the first six months of 2007 show that there were 292 cases.

A National Surveillance System has recently been established to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis in four key areas to monitor HCAIs in our healthcare system:

Staphylococcus bacteremia;

Antibiotic consumption;

Alcohol gel use;

MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units.

The first report is expected shortly and eventually 52 hospitals and 30 local health office will report into the system.

Tackling Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) including MRSA is a priority for the government and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has established a National Infection Control Action Plan. The Infection Control Steering Group is Chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) and is responsible for reducing infection levels in Ireland's health care facilities. Over the next three to five years the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. These targets will be achieved through the development of national and local level action plans to reduce the potential for spread of infections between persons in healthcare settings, and in addition will focus on reducing antibiotic use in Ireland. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

The HSE have issued hygiene and infection control standards for all hospitals and have begun initiatives on reducing antibiotic consumption. In addition, the HSE is currently appointing a number of new infection control nurses, surveillance scientists and antibiotic pharmacists. These staff will strengthen specialist support for infection control and facilitate the development of the national surveillance system.

Each hospital has been mandated to carry out hygiene audits at least annually. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has completed its first Hygiene Services Assessment Scheme incorporating unannounced hospital hygiene inspections. Its report is expected shortly. HIQA is currently working with the HSE to produce national infection control standards. When these are introduced they will have the status of approved standards under the Health Act 2007 and their implementation will be monitored by HIQA.

I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used where isolation facilities are required for patients who contract MRSA. While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of infection and to treat them promptly when they occur.