MRSA cases down thanks to new service

A unique approach to infection control has helped reduce the number of MRSA cases at Addenbrooke's by almost half. The Central Venous Access (CVAT) team has contributed to a 49 per cent drop in the number of patients contracting MRSA blood stream infections in 2007/8.

 

 

The department is the first of its kind in the country, with a facility consisting of a theatre suite and a four-bed recovery unit. Its primary role is to provide patients with central venous lines – a direct route into the bloodstream used for treatments such as chemotherapy, for nutritional purposes or for monitoring the critically ill.

 

 

The team was formed after research showed infections are reduced when dedicated staff are used to insert lines. CVAT has also created a quicker service – referral and insertion is within 24 hours. Many patients can also be discharged from hospital earlier. In the past, many who required a line would have stayed in hospital to receive long-term antibiotic therapy. Now, patients can be discharged home to receive long-term courses of drugs with care provided by the community service.

 

Carmel Streater, specialist nurse manager, said: “This was one of many ways the Trust reduced the MRSA infection rate. The service has been a great success – there have been no line infections at all in the past 11 months. Our dedicated team work hard to provide education across the Trust raising the standard of line insertion and its aftercare. We aim to achieve an improved patient experience."

 

CVAT hosts an international conference at New Hall, Cambridge on 25/26 September where examples of good practice will be shared.

 

The good work of CVAT, which was officially launched in June 2008, has been recognised in the Health Service Journal Awards – the UK's largest health service awards. CVA has been shortlisted for a patient safety accolade. Winners will be announced on Monday 1 December at a presentation in London.

 

 

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