James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to significantly reduce hospital acquired infections in hospitals here and to take into account the need to guard against infection in the refurbishment of existing hospitals and the construction of new hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26774/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to ensure the Health and Information Quality Authority sets and enforces a clear standard on hospital acquired infections and that the new system of licensing will put a strong emphasis in all infection control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26775/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to establish a specific financial incentive which will reward hospitals that achieve excellence in hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26776/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to continue to carry out regular hygiene audits without notice, at minimum annually, and publish the results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26777/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to introduce measures to help reduce the prescribing of antibiotics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26778/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 to 260, inclusive, together.

Tackling all Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

In order to introduce measures to aid in the reduction of antibiotic prescribing, additional antibiotic liaison infectious disease pharmacists have been appointed in order to assist with the participation in the national surveillance of antibiotic consumption. The development of guidance in relation to the appropriate use of antimicrobials has also commenced. Local prescribing guidelines are in place in 67% of acute hospitals and antibiotic audits have been carried out in 40% of hospitals. Education campaigns for healthcare staff and the general public around the prudent use of antibiotics have commenced. It is hoped to commence a public information campaign on prudent antibiotic use to accompany GP educational programmes by the end of 2008.

The availability of isolation facilities is another important factor in the overall solution to the issue of reducing incidence of infection. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used for isolation purposes where required for patients who contract HCAIs and this policy has been adopted by the HSE. New environmental building guidelines to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments are expected to be published by the HSE later this month.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook a comprehensive review of hygiene in our acute hospitals in 2007 and published its report last November. The hygiene review process included unannounced visits by HIQA. The report represents a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in 51 HSE-funded acute care hospitals. This allows individual hospitals identify strengths and areas for improvement. HIQA is following up on this review to ensure that deficits identified during that process are rectified and the Authority will be undertaking a further national review this Autumn. In addition, on 3rd June HIQA published its 'Draft Infection Prevention and Control Standards: A Consultation Document'. When finalised, these, along with the National Hygiene Standards, will provide a comprehensive framework to control infection in all healthcare settings and the HSE will produce a further Action Plan around these standards.

In relation to financial incentives for achieving excellence, while it is a matter for the Health Service Executive to decide on funding priorities, I favour, of course, the allocation by the Executive of resources to best ensure the delivery of high quality services.

I expect to receive the report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance in July which will have proposals on, amongst other matters, licensing of healthcare facilities and services. It will be appreciated that I am not in a position to comment on the report until I receive its recommendations.

While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.