James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of infection control committees and teams that have been put in place in each hospital to date as recommended in the Health Service Executive infection control action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33842/07]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 278: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a clinical nurse specialist has been identified in each ward and area with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the infection control committees as recommended in the Health Service Executive infection control action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33844/07]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 279: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the complement of infection control staff employed by the Health Service Executive; the number of infection control staff recruited to date in 2007; the number of infection control staff vacancies that remain to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33845/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276, 278 and 279 together.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the HSE under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress achieved in meeting her target to reduce health care associated infections by 20%, to reduce MRSA infections by 30% and to reduce antibiotic consumption by 20%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33843/07]

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

I can assure the Deputy that tackling Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing the 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.

A new National Surveillance System has recently been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our health care system: Staphylococcus bacteraemia; Antibiotic consumption; Alcohol gel use; MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units. The data for 2006 is currently being finalised and a report will be released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the near future. Data for 2007 will be available in early 2008.

On that basis, it is not possible to indicate the rates of progress towards achievement against the targets on reductions in HCAIs or antibiotic consumption until sufficient data is available. While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of infections and to treat them promptly when they occur.