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Link: BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | MRSA riskier 'in NI's busy wards'.
Overcrowding in Northern Ireland hospitals is leading to an increased risk of the potentially fatal infection MRSA, according to a new study. It suggests half of NI's surgical wards have been exceeding the UK's overcrowding guidance limit. It said half of NI's surgical wards examined between 2003-2004 had a percentage bed occupancy greater than the UK recommended limit of 82%. All 11 medical facilities in NI Trusts had occupancy rates greater than 85%. The University of Ulster study is published in the British Journal of Nursing. It also found that the time between one patient leaving a bed and another patient using it may be as little as 72 minutes. The study goes on to say that with waiting lists and waiting times being longer in Northern Ireland than in other part of the UK, the higher the level of bed occupancy means there is a higher risk of being infected by MRSA.
The father of the Ulsterman who has bravely fought CJD for over four years cannot believe the treatment that he is receiving from his hospital. Jonathan Simms' family, from the Shankill area of Belfast, first had to fight in the courts to get the controversial treatment that has made him the longest survivor of the fatal disease and now they are in court again because of his hospital. His father, Don, has been gagged by a High Court order, preventing him naming the Northern Ireland hospital where he is being treated but he has revealed that his son has contracted the MRSA virus twice and meningitis once whilst being treated. Jonathan is now 21.
Link: News Letter - Matrons Needed To Fight Superbugs - MLA.
A matronly approach to ward cleanliness could lend more power to the elbow in the hospital battle against superbugs, according to the Ulster Unionist Party's health spokesman. Robert Coulter MLA is calling for the reintroduction of " oldfashioned hospital matrons" to combat the growing superbug crisis. He made his appeal for the return of ward matron powers for senior nurses in hospitals while addressing the party's South Lurgan branch AGM in the Upper Bann constituency. The North Antrim Assemblyman described measures undertaken so far to curb the scourge of MRSA and other superbugs as "hand-holding exercises". "Naming and shaming hospitals, bringing in foreign experts, having spot checks every three months and encouraging patients to speak out if they observe any examples of lack of cleanliness are all very well," said Mr Coulter.
Link: Revised strategy launched to help fight infections.
A new strategy to help fight infections acquired in hospitals across Northern Ireland was launched today at the Mater Hospital. Healthcare associated infections, such as MRSA can prolong a patient’s stay in hospital or in some cases can cause death. The strategy includes plans for an annual infection reduction plan, a hand hygiene campaign, and mandatory training for all healthcare staff.
Link: Mrsa: 5 Apr 2005: Written answers (TheyWorkForYou.com).
Nigel Dodds (Belfast North, DU) Hansard source
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaths in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years have been attributed to MRSA; and what guidelines are used in recording the numbers of deaths in which MRSA has been a factor.Ian Pearson (Dudley South, Lab) Hansard source
The numbers of deaths where Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was mentioned on the death certificate in Northern Ireland, for the registration years 1999–2003, are given in the table as follows. Number of deaths in Northern Ireland with MRSA mentioned on the death certificate by registration year 1999–2003Registration year Death certificate mentioned MRSA
1999 13
2000 14
2001 16
2002 25
2003 30Total (1999–2003) 98
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used to classify cause of death and the current version of ICD does not have a specific code for MRSA. The statistics reported in the table have been obtained by identifying all deaths with ICD codes likely to be linked with MRSA, and checking the relevant death certificates for mention of MRSA.
Link: BBC NEWS
The MRSA superbug has played a part in 116 deaths in Northern Ireland in the past seven years, figures have shown. Nearly three quarters of those deaths occurred in the over-75 age group. A study by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre also showed that levels of infection found in hospitals had risen. More than 300 cases were discovered among patients in the last 12 months, compared just under 500 cases reported between 2001 and 2003. The centre, based at Belfast City Hospital, used episodes of bloodstream infection to show the scale of infection. Its study found a 35% rise from the first year of examining the bug and a 41% jump from 12 months ago, when levels dipped slightly. Dr Doherty added: "It is clear from these figures that some parts of the health service have to do more to control this threat and match the achievements of hospitals which maintain low MRSA levels. "It is an important reminder that everyone needs to keep infection control at the top of their agenda." Patients on intensive care units and on surgical wards are among the most vulnerable to the bug.
Belfast Telegraph
A veteran Ulster politician revealed today how he endured a 10-month battle against the lethal superbug MRSA.
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass also demanded the urgent setting up of a team of MRSA troubleshooters to sort out the growing menace in our hospitals. His call comes after figures revealed that MRSA contributed to the deaths of 116 patients in Northern Ireland over the last seven years. Lord Maginnis said he had been "incapacitated" for 10 months after being struck down by the feared superbug following a "simple" operation on his leg. He said specialist troubleshooters were needed to sort out not only the MRSA problem but other difficulties in a current health service "shambles".
Sunday Life
A cancer ward at Belfast City Hospital had to be shut down for six days, following an outbreak of a stomach bug and a rise in MRSA cases, it has been revealed. The City's new 'rapid response' cleaning team was sent to decontaminate the area, following the outbreak.
The 'rapid response' team is one of a number of new measures introduced in the war against MRSA at the City, which also includes the banning of flowers from wards.
BBC'
The MRSA superbug has played a part in 116 deaths in Northern Ireland in the past seven years, figures have shown. Nearly three quarters of those deaths occurred in the over-75 age group. A study by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre also showed that levels of infection found in hospitals had risen. More than 300 cases were discovered among patients in the last 12 months, compared just under 500 cases reported between 2001 and 2003.
Belfast Telegraph
A special new bug-busting team is to lead Ulster's fight against MRSA, it emerged today. The group has been set up to dramatically reduce growing superbug incidence rates in hospitals right across the province. It is part of a major new strategy on preventing and controlling the spread of infection by the Department of Health - and was unveiled today by Health Minister Angela Smith.
She branded incidence rates here as "a matter of great concern".
The Steering Group will examine key priority areas such as prevention, surveillance, control of MRSA and staff education and training. It will be chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, and supported by a number of experts in the fields of infection control and public health.
Ballymoney Times
THE number of local MRSA cases has risen by four in the past year – the Times can reveal.
A staggering nine patients contracted the MRSA infection in the Causeway Hospital and 44 patients in the Northern Health and Social Services Board last year alone.
This compares to seven reported incidences in Causeway Hospital and 42 Northern Board cases the previous year.
Medically known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, the disease is highly infectious and extremely hard to diagnose and treat due to its resistance to most antibiotics.
It is usually confined to hospitals and causes fever and inflammation as well as wound and skin infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bacteraemia or 'blood poisoning'.
The worrying figures were revealed during a House of Commons question time on Tuesday, September 7 after the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland David Lidington asked about hospital-acquired infections.
Preventing and controlling the spread of infection in hospitals and other healthcare settings will be the key aim of a strategy announced today by Health Minister Angela Smith. The Infection Control Strategy will be taken forward by a Steering Group led by Chief Medical Officer, Etta Campbell, which will examine key priority areas such as prevention, surveillance, control of MRSA and staff education and training. Ms Smith said: “The prevention and control of healthcare acquired infection has been a key public health issue over the last number of years. Events, locally and internationally, have served to focus attention on the need to develop a strong strategic approach in this area of concern.
Belfast Telegraph
The medical boss at one of Ulster's top hospitals with the highest recorded cases of MRSA admitted today that the superbug problem was a "serious" one. Dr Ken Fullerton, medical director of Belfast City Hospital Trust, said the hospital was doing all it could to tackle the potentially lethal bug.
He was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph as it was revealed that between 2001 - when figures were first collated - and 2003, there were 101 cases of MRSA at the City - 32 more than the next highest hospital bug incidence rate.
Sunday Life
HOSPITALS in Northern Ireland may have been hiding the full horror of MRSA.
For shock statistics to be published later this month are expected to show the real extent of the failed fight to wipe out the deadly superbug. And the latest figures - currently being compiled - will confirm that every hospital in the province is teaming with the bug, which is now feared to be mutating.
A short introduction from Dave Roberts
This 12 minute introduction will help you grasp the key facts and the key issues surrounding drug resistant staph aureus (mersa, mursa)
