MRSA success – no cases in October

Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie are winning the fight against infection.

There were no incidents of MRSA bloodstream infection in October – a first for the Trust since records began four years ago. Overall, cases of MRSA are 41 per cent down. There have been 25 cases of MRSA bloodstream infection from January to October this year. In the same period for 2007, there were 42.

Angela Thompson, Assistant Director of Nursing, said: “This is good news for patients, but it also highlights the hard work and commitment of staff at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie.

“We strive to keep the number of cases dropping - all our staff are extra-vigilant with hygiene and hand-washing. Our deep cleaning programme ensures clinical areas are regularly cleansed while the recently launched Central Venous Access Team has also proved a great success in reducing infection.

“Visitors can help us fight infection by following instructions from staff. Please clean your hands when entering and leaving wards, don’t visit in large groups, and don’t sit on beds."