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

Question 172: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of incidents of MRSA or clostridium difficile reported in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; the number of incidents relating to public and private institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42355/10]

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

Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In March 2007, the HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan. Over the period of the Plan the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. The number of MRSA bloodstream infections across the public and private hospital sector for the past five years are 592 cases in 2005, 592 in 2006, 536 in 2007, 439 in 2008, 355 in 2009 and 176 for the first two quarters of 2010 (provisional per the Health Protection Surveillance Centre as of 01/09/2010). This shows a decrease of 40% between 2005 and 2009. Reported figures for the first two quarters of 2010 when compared to the first two quarters of 2009 (195 cases) show a 10% decrease. Since May 2008, C.difficile is a notifiable disease: all cases have to be reported to the relevant Department of Public Health. Guidelines for the Surveillance, Management and Control of C. difficile-associated disease were published in May 2008. Reported figures from May 2008 to December 2008 show 1624 cases (average of 46 per week), 1914 in 2009 (average of 37 per week) and 1385 from Jan to Oct 2010 (average of 33 per week). Data on alcohol hand gel usage which is an important part of the hygiene effort shows a twofold increase from 2006 to 2009. The Guidelines for antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospitals in Ireland aims to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics. Data on antibiotic consumption collected by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows a welcome decrease in antibiotic consumption in Hospitals in 2008 for the first time since 2000. Data for 2009 and the first 2 quarters of 2010 see this trend continuing.

In May 2009, I also approved publication of the Health Information and Quality Authority's (HIQA's) National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections. These Standards include all key areas of importance in the control of HCAIs and the HSE is well advanced in its preparations for HIQA to commence its initial monitoring review under the Standards later this year.

In addition to the above mentioned developments, in December 2008, the HSE published new Environmental Building Guidelines to inform control policy in all new builds and refurbishments. I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of Healthcare Associated Infections, including MRSA and C. difficile and to treat them promptly when they occur.