Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the increase in MRSA cases in hospitals from 445 cases in 2002 to 588 cases in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26897/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of reported incidents of MRSA throughout the entire hospital or health system in each of the past five years; the action taken to address this issue; the results of such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30299/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 203 together.

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 blood stream infection of MRSA per patient per quarter. This system showed that there were 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 592 cases in 2005 and 588 in 2006. Figures for the first six months of 2007 show that there were 292 cases.

The increase in reported cases of MRSA bloodstream infection between 2002 and 2006 is directly related to improved surveillance. In 2002, 23 laboratories in Ireland were reporting into the system. By 2006 the number of laboratories reporting had increased to 42. Between 2002 and 2006 both the proportion of MRSA and the bloodstream infection rate have remained unchanged at 42% and 0.15 cases per 1,000 bed days used, respectively. Data for this year, to date, suggests that the number of reported cases of MRSA bloodstream infection for 2007 will not be significantly different from 2006 or preceding years.

A new National Surveillance System has recently been established to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) in our health care system: Staphylococcus bacteraemia; Antibiotic consumption; Alcohol gel use; and MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units. The first report is expected shortly and eventually 52 hospitals and 30 local health offices will report into this system.

Tackling HCAIs, including MRSA is a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has established a National Infection Control Action Plan. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing implementation of the plan. 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 health care 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 has appointed 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. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used where isolation facilities are required for patients who contact 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. The first report of the HSE's new National Surveillance System will provide a sound basis for assessment of results of the improvement measures into the future.