Lives depend on NHS learning the lessons to control superbugs

7.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 14th Sep 2008

Leading experts and campaigners against killer superbugs have backed calls by a LibDem Euro MP for the NHS to apply the lessons from some other European countries where the infection rates of Healthcare Associated Infections such as MRSA are a fraction of the UK's.

The UK government is also being urged to mount a massive AIDS style public awareness campaign on the deadly threat posed by such diseases and the need for better hygiene.

The need to apply best practice was a recurring theme from the top level panel of experts invited by West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne to a conference fringe meeting in Bournemouth to discuss the superbug crisis. Entitled 'Afraid to go to Hosptal?', the panel included Professor Gian Maria Rossolini from the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Sienna, Martin Kiernan, the Vice President of the Infection Prevention Society and Derek Butler, the Chair of MRSA.

Liz Lynne, who chaired the discussion, said: "While we welcome recent figures that show some success in MRSA reduction, one case is one too many. The UK continues to have one of the worst records on superbugs in Europe. Lives depend on us learning the lessons of other European countries that have far lower rates of these infections, such as the Netherlands or Finland.

"The UK needs to implement programmes from abroad, such as comprehensive screening of high risk patients. I have been leading calls in the European Parliament for an EU wide code of best practice on healthcare acquired infections and I am delighted that the European Commission has now said it will take this forward."

Prof. Gian Maria Rossolini of the University of Siena and campaign group Health First Europe gave an overview of the latest research findings from all over the world into the best way to deal with healthcare acquired infections. He said: "This is a very serious health crisis. The problem of healthcare associated infections is being compounded by antibiotic usage policies. Across Europe we have much to learn. In the USA in 2005, more people died from MRSA alone than from TB and Aids. There are now drugs on the market that can help combat these illnesses, but they are very expensive. Ultimately the goal has to be to prevent infections occurring in the first place."

Martin Kiernan, who is also the Nurse Consultant Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are good at collecting data in the UK, but we have to get better at taking action. We are making progress though, for example, we are beginning to see signs that pre-admission screening is effective. Some hospitals are introducing MRSA screening of emergency patients well ahead of the 2011 deadline. This is welcome as the majority of MRSA infections occur in this high risk group. "

"As a consultant on hospital infections, ten years ago I was the man no one wanted to speak to. It is only now that hospital staff are aware of the need for infection control, and want to help prevent these infections. However, while hospital staff are becoming more aware, we need to make sure the public at large know and understand the issues and can help hospitals battle to put a stop to preventable infections."

Derek Butler, of campaign group MRSA Action UK and whose family have been seriously affected by the superbug, said: "A target of 50% reduction in infections is not enough. We must strive for zero infections. Preventing healthcare associated infections is everybody's business. It's about attitudes, leadership and discipline.

"It is good that new treatment is available, but over-treatment with antibiotics like penicillin is what created this problem in the first place. If we do not focus on stopping these preventable infections we will leave future generations with no way to fight even simple diseases. We will be turning back to the clock to pre Alexander Fleming days."