The Chief Executive of NHS North West has congratulated staff for helping to go beyond the government’s target of halving MRSA blood stream infections across England.

The latest quarterly figures on MRSA bloodstream infections, published by the Health Protection Agency today, show that the number of MRSA infections has fallen by 57% compared to the base level in 2003/4 when the target was set.

The figures show that the risk of becoming infected with an MRSA bacteraemia is at its lowest for 5 years. This has been achieved by a package of measures including an increase in matrons and hospital deep cleans.

Mike Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS North West, said: “We are taking healthcare associated infections very seriously. These figures show great progress and that is a tribute to the hard work of NHS staff coupled with the introduction of new products and technologies. We have also successfully recruited new hospital matrons to ensure standards are met.

“Patients can be reassured that the NHS is clean and safe and is getting cleaner and safer. Preventing and controlling infection is an ongoing priority for everyone in the NHS and we will continue to work hard and share successful ways to improve in this area.”

In the North West: · There were 129 MRSA bacteraemia reports in the North West during the quarter April to June 2008, a 16% decrease from the previous quarter (153 reports in January to March 2007) and a 38% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2007 (207 reports in April to June 2007).

· There were 323 MRSA bacteraemia reports during the 6 months October 2007 to March 2008, a 7% decrease from the previous 6 months (347 in April 2007 to September 2007) and a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2006-7 (433 reports in October 2006 to March 2007). · There were 670 reports of MRSA bacteraemia in the year April 2007 to March 2008, a 28% decrease compared to the previous year (936 in April 2006 to March 2007). A breakdown of the North West data is available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1191942126522?p=1191942126522 Examples of regional initiatives include: Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust is one of seven in the country taking part in the ‘Showcase Hospital Trust’ project. The aim is to help further reduce levels of infection, especially MRSA and C. difficile, through the use of new products and technologies.

One of the technologies being evaluated is a ‘superbug robot’ - a state-of-the-art Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) system. Treatment rooms are sealed with the robot inside and then left for 90 minutes. The vapour is then pumped out and the room is ready for the next patient. The hospital is also trialling a skin disinfecting product for use when inserting drips.

The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, which has formed a partnership with John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA.

John Hopkins Hospital has eradicated all blood borne infections caused by intravenous lines. The hospital has been working with the Strategic Health Authority and Department of Health, along with representatives from Aintree Hospitals and Liverpool PCT, to learn good practice from John Hopkins.

A visit to Baltimore took place in February and a 12 month programme of work is underway to push a culture of zero tolerance towards hospital acquired infections such as MRSA.

Steps taken so far at the RLBUHT include using a new product for skin preparation and a new technique for inserting drips. These and range of other infection prevention measures have led to a 50 per cent drop in cases of MRSA bacteremia from this time last year.