New toolkit launched to help prevent hospital infections

Public Health England has stepped up its efforts to crack down on the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals through the launch of a new toolkit.

The toolkit has been designed to help medical facilities detect, manage and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat.

Medical facilities will be encouraged to take samples early for microbiological testing if a patient is suspected to be colonised or infected with a resistant strain of bacteria, while the individual must be managed carefully to prevent the spread of infection.

The toolkit also emphasises the need for strict infection prevention and control procedures, including hand washing and thorough cleaning and decontamination, plus a review of the use of medical devices and prescribed antibiotics.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "Although there has been an increase in this strain of bacteria, the new toolkit will ensure that hospitals are well placed to detect, manage and control any cases."

Antibiotic resistance is one of the key healthcare challenges facing the NHS, with a new strategy for tackling the issue having launched last year.