News & health issues

London hospitals winning the war on infections

Figures published today show that the NHS in London has reduced MRSA cases by more than 50% compared to 2003/2004. In the last three months infections have continued to drop, and to end of June London has 56% fewer cases than four years ago.

The encouraging results are not limited to MRSA cases. London has the lowest rates of C-diff (Clostridium difficile) infection of all the Strategic Health Authorities in England. NHS London's target is to reduce this even further and already in the first three months of this financial year London has seen a 45% reduction compared to the same period last year.

Colin Ovington, Turnaround Director for Healthcare Associated Infection at NHS London, said “These are tremendous results which are testament to the hard work and dedication of staff across the NHS towards our zero tolerance to avoidable infection strategy. While there is still much to be done in our war on infection it is clear that our hospitals are becoming safer, and patients can be more confident about that improvement.

“We need the help of our patients, their visitors and the public who use NHS hospitals and other premises. Hand washing, using hand rubs and gels all help prevent the spread of infection, and keeping hospitals tidy and free from litter will help staff to keep the environment clean. We all need to play a role in keeping hospitals clean and safe. Working together we can achieve much more.”

Notes to Editors

1. At end March 2008 London had 9.1 cases of Clostridium difficile per 10,000 population. Our target for 20010/2011 is 7.8 case per 10,000 population, currently London has 8.5 case per 10,000 population.

Journalists only: For more information contact: Ray Allger NHS London 020 7932 3911 or email ray.allger@london.nhs.uk Out of hours contact 08700 555500 and ask for pager Lon01.

-Ends-