Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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415. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns that Cork University Hospital is lagging behind in terms of screening and isolation of patients who have been exposed to superbugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53108/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Department of Health.

In October 2017, Ireland’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (iNAP) was launched by myself and Minister Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine. This Plan was developed in line with the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR (2015). The iNAP activities are prioritised and being implemented across the duration of the Plan.

In response to the emergence of virulent antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, in particular CPE or CRE, commonly known as 'superbugs', Iconvened the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in October 2017, as a public health response to the CPE superbug. CPE has been declared as a public health emergency.

In response to a request made by the National Public Health Emergency Team, the CPE Expert Group has developed guidance regarding the patient populations that should be screened in hospitals for Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). This guidance has been published and disseminated to all hospitals by the HSE.

Enhanced surveillance of indicators related to CPE has been available for the past year via monthly reports produced and published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre. It is noted that between October 2017 and October 2018, Cork University Hospital has had a threefold increase in the number of screening tests performed (189 tests performed in October 2017 to 684 performed in October 2018). In the vast majority of cases, Cork University Hospital has been able to provide appropriate accommodation and isolation for those with CPE. While Cork University Hospital has seen an increase in the number of newly detected patients with CPE, it would be reasonable to expect this given the increase in screening tests performed.

In relation to other superbugs, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile, information available to the Department of Health indicates that the rate of detection of new cases per bed day used in Cork University Hospital is in line with the national average.