BD "Pursuing Our Purpose Event" 10th July 2008 

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Derek Butler and Maria Cann from MRSA Action UK were invited along to the event to meet staff and associates of BD and learn about the work of the organisations in helping people live healthier lives. BD spoke of their global work and social responsibilities and how the staff were contributing to this through their work and through the volunteer programme. Of particular interest was the Trusted Partners Campaign

 

MRSA Action UK's stand was visited by around 150 employees and associates and we shared information in 'pursuing our purpose'.  It was a great opportunity to learn more about how we can help each other, there were other voluntary patient groups in attendance, and as BD had said - this was what their work was all about.

 

This week BD have announced a new molecular rapid test to diagnose patients with Clostridium difficile infections.

 

It is the only diagnostic test that combines high assay sensitivity with a rapid turnaround time of less than two hours, facilitating earlier appropriate treatment of patients suffering from Clostridium difficile infection and earlier implementation of infection control interventions to prevent transmission of Clostridium difficile to other patients.  This is a major breakthrough and will impact significantly on helping to identify which treatments to use to tackle this bacterial infection, as has already been proven through rapid testing with MRSA.

 

Rapid screening and diagnosis is, in our opinion, essential to ensure patients receive optimum care.  Seeking out the bacteria and providing opportunities to treat topically where patients are infected will save lives.  Screening must be carried out for elective surgery and the rapid testing would certainly be of benefit for emergency admissions.

 

This is an essential element of any Search and Destroy strategy in the battle of the superbugs.  The Dutch require more rapid testing to free up isolation facilities, they risk assess patients and anyone from outside of the Netherlands, for example a patient from the UK who would be considered high risk is immediately isolated.  If a patient is given the all clear then they can be removed from isolation freeing up the strict isolation facility for patients who are MRSA positive [or C.diff positive].

 

This we believe should happen here in the UK.  Using this rapid testing technology would enable speedy diagnosis, early targeted treatment and the ability to isolate and significantly reduce the risk of spreading the infection, ultimately providing a better patient experience and saving lives.