Health secretary announces new infection control strategy

Health secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled a new strategy to tackle healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) that will see hospitals recruit extra specialist staff.

Mr Johnson confirmed that every hospital trust in England would be able to recruit two infection control nurses, two isolation nurses and an antimicrobial pharmacist.

The Clean, Safe Care strategy draws on current HCAI initiatives as well as bringing extra investment for infection control in the NHS.

Up to 270 million pounds per year will be available by 2010/11 to support infection control and cleanliness in the health service, Mr Johnson outlined.

He illustrated that cases of MRSA had fallen by ten per cent as a result of the hard work and dedication of NHS staff but acknowledged that there was more to be done in the fight against HCAIs.

“The investment of an extra 270 million pounds and this strategy will help the NHS to continue the good work going forward,” he maintained.

In addition, from February 2008 a new nationwide campaign is to be launched to raise awareness of the inappropriate use of antibiotics and its association with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of infections.

This week has seen the release of a report suggesting that in some cases people with the infection MRSA could be treated at home with antibiotics.