Lives depend on NHS learning the lessons to control superbugs
September 14, 2008 7:07 PM
Leading experts on Healthcare Associated Infections have today called for
a massive public awareness campaign on the deadly threat of diseases such
as MRSA and C. Difficile.
The call came during a Lib Dem conference fringe event in Bournemouth
hosted by Liz Lynne MEP.
Professor Gian Maria Rossolini from the Department of Molecular Biology at
the University of Sienna, Martin Kiernan, the Vice- President of the
Infection Prevention Society and Derek Butler, the Chair of MRSA Action UK
told the audience that the public is still unaware as to the full danger
of infections.
The event, entitled 'Afraid to go into Hospital?' provided an insight into
the Government's attempts to clamp down on the superbug crisis. It also
heard of people's personal stories as members of the audience shared
examples of the battles that they and their loved ones have fought against
these infections.
Liz Lynne, who chaired the discussion, said:
'Whilst we should welcome recent figures that show some success in MRSA
reduction, one case is one too many. If we want to eliminate the problem
we must learn the lessons of other EU countries that have successfully
beaten these infections.
'The UK continues to have one of the worst records on superbugs in Europe
and so it is vital that the examples of countries such as the Netherlands
are followed. The UK needs to implement programmes from abroad, for
instance the comprehensive screening of high risk patients.
'I have been leading calls in the European Parliament for an EU wide code
of best practise on healthcare acquired infections and I am delighted that
the European Commission has now said it will take this forward.'
Derek Butler spoke on the need for prevention over drugs:
'It is good that new treatment is available, but over-treatment with
antibiotics like penicillin is what created this problem in the first
place. If we do not focus on stopping these preventable infections we
will leave future generations with no way to fight even simple diseases.
We will be turning back to the clock to pre Alexander Fleming days.'
Martin Kiernan, who is also the Nurse Consultant Southport & Ormskirk
Hospitals NHS Trust, added that there is light on the horizon, but warned
more work is needed:
'As a consultant on hospital infections, ten years ago I was the man no
one wanted to speak to. It is only now that hospital staff are aware of
the need for infection control, and want to help prevent these infections.
It would seem that the message is finally getting through.
'However, while hospital staff are becoming more aware, the public at
large still lacks vital knowledge on how to prevent hospital infections.
Meeting NHS targets are not the end of the story, we need to make sure the
public know and understand the issues and can help hospitals battle to put
a stop to preventable infections.'
Professor Rossolini looked at the way the UK Government have handled the
crisis, saying:
'Healthcare associated infections are a major problem, not just in Europe,
but all over the world. In the USA in 2005, more people died from MRSA
alone than from TB and Aids. There are now drugs on the market that can
help combat these illnesses, but they are very expensive. Ultimately the
goal has to be to prevent infections occurring in the first place.
ENDS
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