Are MRSA bacteraemia rates, which tables are presently based upon, a reasonable measure of infection control?
“I’m becoming convinced they are a very powerful tool. Because it is the publication of these that has led to a major impact on corporate support of infection control procedures and the political interest centred on them. “Certainly in our own trust it has had a tremendous impact and changed our priorities.” In 2003 Guy’s and St Thomas’ trust set up its own infection control group and in the 12 months that followed there was a 50 per cent fall in the numbers and rates of MRSA bacteraemia. In addition, isolates of MRSA from clinical sites have also reduced by almost half in the past year. Prof French concluded: “So in the UK we have MRSA rates that are too high. But this can change. Trusts and Government must work together to ensure that more compliance with good practice reduces infection.
