(c) MRSA Action UK June 2008
Derek's presentation considered the risk factors involved for people who move between the hospital and community setting, and how carers, whether formal or informal carers will need the support of the teams within the Primary Care Trust to help reduce the risks of infection. Some of the main risk factors for the acquisition of MRSA include previous hospitalisation, intravascular lines, catheters, other indwelling devices, pressure sores, underlying disease and antibiotics. MRSA Action UK demonstrated that with extra care and support from other agencies infection is not inevitable.
The interactive session was aligned to adopting a multi-agency approach to ensure effective co-ordination of nursing and personal care to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.
This was an opportunity to share good practice and lessons from the Department of Health's Improvement programme, although the setting was a hospital one, many of lessons learned could be applied in the care home environment.
Features of successful organisations, included belief that "we can do this"
Residents would choose a hospital giving high standards of quality care, low levels and infection and a greater standard of cleanliness; these were high on their agenda.
Features of wards with low infections, most notably, there was strong leadership, challenging, coaching and supporting. Staff knew what was expected of them. Cleaners feel part of the team; the ward is clean and uncluttered.
Presentations and breakout sessions also featured help and support available from the PCT, Strategic Health Authority and help with the Improvement Foundation's Assessment Framework.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by a healthcare infection and you wish to discuss this with us, please contact us at info@mrsaactionuk.net
