RCN responds to news that fewer people are dying from HCAIs

Published: 19 August 2009

Responding to an announcement by the Office of National Statistics indicating that the number of deaths linked to MRSA and C.difficile is falling, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said:

"For any patient to die as a result of MRSA or C.difficile is an absolute tragedy, however, these figures do show a move in the right direction. We know that these infections are of great concern to patients, and I am pleased to see that significant progress is being made.

"Nurses have worked hard to ensure infection rates are reduced, improving the quality of care for all patients. However, there is no room for complacency - nurses need to be given the necessary authority and resources to ensure that infection rates continue to fall."

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Notes for Editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.