There has been a reduction in the number of cases of MRSA in Irish hospitals. The latest figures show the number of instances of the illness has decreased by 20% during the past 2 years.
There were 305 cases of MRSA in 2010. That compares with 242 cases last year. The figures were collected from microbiology laboratories in hospitals across the State.
They also show that there are now 20 hospitals that did not record any cases of MRSA in 2012.
Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health Jerry Buttimer has welcomed new figures. "They show that MRSA rates have been at least halved in 19 of our hospitals and that the infection has been eliminated in a further five hospitals since the Government took office" he said.
"Much work is being done to eradicate MRSA and all hospital acquired infections and we are seeing real progress in this area. The number of reported MRSA bloodstream infections has decreased steadily over the last six years from 592 in 2007 to 242 in 2012, which represents a reduction of 59%".
Increase in staff hygiene
Recent figures from the last quarter of 2012 also show hand hygiene compliance is at over 84% in hospitals. This is an increase from 81% earlier in the year.
The measured groups include nurses and midwives who record an 88% compliance rate, doctors who show a 70%, and auxiliary staff and other healthcare workers who all saw over the 80% mark.
"Patients have a right to feel safe in our hospitals. It is not acceptable that they should acquire serious infections while receiving hospital care. Hygiene improvements in our hospitals must continue. The target for compliance set for this year is 90%" Mr. Buttimer added.
