The health secretary has pledged a dramatic reduction in the number of MRSA bloodstream infections in hospitals by March 2008.

Speaking at the Chief Nursing Officer’s conference in Manchester, John Reid insisted the issue was a “top priority” for ministers, highlighting that this is the first government to publish figures the compulsory monitoring of healthcare associated infections.

“I expect MRSA bloodstream infection rates to be halved in our hospitals by 2008.  NHS Acute Trusts will be tasked with achieving a year on year reduction up to and beyond March 2008,” he told delegates.
“This is extremely challenging.  All trusts will have to identify high-risk sources of infection and draw up comprehensive action plans to prevent or isolate MRSA in order to achieve this reduction.

“I do not regard this as something which is the responsibility only of one group of workers or one political party.  It is naturally a challenge to us all, but at the centre of this are our hospitals and the staff who work in them.  Nurses, doctors and other infection control staff will be in the front line of this drive to fight hospital infections.

“Everyone has a role to play – hospital cleaners are as important as consultants when it comes to these issues.”