The HCAI & AMR Department of the Centre for Infections is responsible for investigating the epidemiology of Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance.

It runs a range of national surveillance programmes that collect epidemiological data on healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and monitor resistance to antibiotics. These schemes include both mandatory and voluntary data collection including sugical site infection rates, reports of MRSA, bacteraemia, and Clostridium difficile infection. We also use data supplied to the HPA on a voluntary basis by laboratories to monitor the micro-organisms causing invasive infections (both HCAI and community) and their resistance to antibiotics. As well as monitoring trends and changes, this data is also used to inform national guidelines on antibiotics therapy and other aspects of policy.

HCAI & AMR is responsible for contributing UK data to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC). The department works closely with ECDC on a number of their projects related to the epidemiology of HCAI and AMR in the EU. HCAI & AMR coordinates the UK contribution to

• the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) which collects data on selected organisms enabling rates of antimicrobial resistance to be compared across Europe
• Hospitals in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) which collects data on selected HCAI to enable comparison of rates across Europe.

We also participate in a range of other projects focused on HCAI, from evaluating computer systems for use in infection control settings to assessment of mortality associated with HCAI.

The staff of HCAI&AMR department are involved in advising and educating healthcare professionals on the surveillance, prevention and control of HCAI and antimicrobial resistance.  We also work with the Laboratory of Healthcare Associated Infection (LHCAI) and the Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Reference Laboratory (ARMRL) to provide advice in investigating and managing outbreaks and incidents related to healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance.

• The Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (ARHAI)
  A committee to provide expert advice to Government on antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections
  Added/updated: 26 October 2010