Link: New measures to reduce superbug spread
A new code of practice has today been set out by the government in a bid to reduce the incidences of people contracting MRSA when they go into hospital.
The proposed regime against the suberbug, dubbed as such because of its resistance to penicillin and other common antibiotics, will form part of a health improvement and protection bill, aimed at tackling all health care associated infections (HCAIs) in England.
Launched today by health minister Jane Kennedy, the new hygiene code proposals include a director of infection prevention and a board-approved infection control programme for all NHS bodies.
The Healthcare Commission watchdog will assess compliance to the new measures, giving them power to force hospitals to improve their track record.
If they fail to do so, NHS boards or individual managers could be sacked.
Patients’ Association chairman Michael Summers has welcomed the news.
"We thoroughly approve. This is something we have been advocating for some time," he said.
