RCN welcomes decreases in MRSA infections
Published: 17 July 2008
Commenting on quarterly figures from the Health Protection Agency on MRSA bloodstream infections and C. difficile, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary & Chief Executive, Dr Peter Carter, said:
“The RCN is pleased the latest HPA figures show a 30 per cent decrease in reported MRSA cases in the 2007/08 financial year. We should recognise the key role nurses, particularly specialists in infection protection control, have played in achieving this reduction in hospitals and health care services.
“However, the RCN is disappointed that there has been a six per cent increase in C. difficile cases in patients aged 65 years and over from the previous quarter.
“If we are to see further reductions in infections, the Government needs to meet its proposal to deliver more infection control nurses and ensure that there are stronger reporting mechanisms in place to enable nurses to raise their concerns about poor hygiene practices.”
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Notes to 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.