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C.Diff and MRSA at record low
07/10/2009
C.diff rates in Scotland have reached a record low, almost halving over the past year.
Latest figures show MRSA rates are also at their lowest since records began.
C.diff rates have fallen 42 per cent compared with the same period last year, while MRSA rates are down 22 per cent.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the sustained drop in infection rates showed efforts to stamp out the so-called superbugs appeared to be reaping rewards.
Today's figures, published by Health Protection Scotland, show:
- Both C.diff and MRSA rates at their lowest since records began
- There were 996 cases of C.diff in over 65s between April and June - down from 1,152 in the previous quarter and from 1,732 on the same quarter last year
- There were 145 cases of MRSA between April and June -down from 171 in the previous quarter and from 180 in the same quarter last year
Ms Sturgeon said:
"I have made tackling hospital infections a top priority and I am encouraged that today's figures show our strenuous efforts appear to be reaping rewards.
"We are confident that we now have the right initiatives in place and the figures back this up. We are seeing significant and sustained reductions in infections which is good news for patients throughout Scotland.
"However, there is no room for complacency. I want us to continue this excellent progress as we drive to eliminate all avoidable infections from our hospitals."
The number of cases of C.diff, by quarter, is as follows:
2008
- Quarter 1 - 1,861
- Quarter 2 - 1,732
- Quarter 3 - 1,433
- Quarter 4 - 1,299
2009
- Quarter 1 - 1,152
- Quarter 2 - 996
The number of cases of MRSA, by quarter, is as follows:
2008
- Quarter 1 - 198
- Quarter 2 - 180
- Quarter 3 - 150
- Quarter 4 - 161
2009
- Quarter 1 - 171
- Quarter 2 - 145
The Scottish Government is committed to reducing all staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (including MRSA) by 30 per cent by 2010. The government's target for C.diff is to reduce infections in over 65s by at least 30 per cent by 2011.
For the first time, today's figures include the number of 15-64 year olds with C.diff - 311 cases were recorded - but the report advises that this figure should be treated with caution until surveillance systems are fully established.
The Scottish Government is investing over £50 million (over three years) in initiatives designed to tackle healthcare associated infections. These include a national MRSA screening programme, prudent prescribing of antibiotics, zero tolerance on non-compliance with hand hygiene procedures and a Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.