Superbug problems increasing at health trust’s two main hospitals

Mar 28 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HOSPITAL superbug MRSA has hit local people hard.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital have recorded levels of the superbug at twice the Government target over the past 12 months.

The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust – responsible for both hospitals – recorded 30 instances of the bacteria between February last year and February this year, compared to a target level of 15 set by the Healthcare Commission.

Two cases of the antibiotic-resistant virulent strain, which causes difficulties in treating infections, were recorded in January.

But trust chiefs said the hospitals’ positions were improving and the trust was performing better than the national average.

A spokeswoman said: “Our performance shows a great improvement. We’re still in a better position than the rest of the country.

“It’s quite disappointing that we’re missing our target, but signs say we’re improving.”

The National Audit Office estimates MRSA contributes to about 1,000 deaths a year.

News of the Huddersfield and Halifax figures comes a month after the launch of a cleaning blitz to help combat hospital infections.

Almost £500,000 is being spent at the two hospitals to give wards, furniture and equipment a deep clean.

The move is part of a national strategy after the NHS was given extra Government money to clean up its act.

Hospitals across the country were handed money for the blitz, in addition to the daily cleaning work that takes place – to help tackle superbugs.

Special deep-cleaning teams were set up to carry out the work which includes cleaning ventilation ductwork.