Healthcare Acquired Infections continue to decrease in the Capital

30 January 2008

The latest quarterly figures for MRSA bloodstream infections in London have shown a 31% decrease in cases during July-September this year compared to the same quarter in 2006. The figures also show a drop of 13% in cases from the previous quarter, from 238 cases during April-June 2007 to 206 in July-September.

Clostridium difficile cases have also fallen in patients aged 65 years and over from 1677 during June-September 2006 to 1407 for the same quarter in 2007. A drop from the previous quarter in 2007 of 21% was also recorded.

It is important to note that C. difficile figures should be interpreted with care at the moment as the surveillance system is undergoing significant changes, described in the recent letter from the Chief Medical and Nursing Officers.

London Regional Director of the Health Protection Agency, Dr Roger Gross said:

“The figures for both these healthcare associated infections, although encouraging, show there is still much infection control work to be done across London , especially in C. difficile, however it is still pleasing to see fewer cases.”

-ends-

Notes to editors

Media enquiries to Emily Collins, Communications Manager on 020 7759 2824 or email emily.collins@hpa.org.uk or georgina.fletcher@hpa.org.uk, 020 7759 2834.
Information on changes by the Department of Health to the reporting of MRSA bloodstream infections and C. difficile infections through the Health Protection Agency's mandatory surveillance scheme is available at:
The Department of Health website

Last reviewed: 9 January 2009