raising public awareness - campaigning for safer standards
supporting sufferers and dependants

Telephone: 07762 741114  /  01337 841098
email: INFO@MRSAACTIONUK.NET

FEBRUARY 2010 SUMMARY

 

Public and Patient Information Campaign

We are pleased to be able to say that The Department of Health have commissioned the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement to address perceptions around healthcare associated infections.  The Institute are developing a campaign and an associated suite of resources to influence public and patient attitudes around healthcare associated infections to build public confidence in clean, safe care in the NHS and to help the public understand their role in helping to alleviate the problems caused by infections.

 

Campaign materials and approaches are to be co-designed and co-developed with patient groups.  Members of MRSA Action UK will be directly contributing through relating their experiences to obtain the patient and carer perspective and to help advise on the development of the materials, we are delighted that we were able to persuade the facilitators to draft in the help of Eileen Henderson, Assistant to Medical Director at Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, with the project, she was contacted after we raised the profile of the 'Give Soap a Chance' campaign with the Department of Health and the consultants working with the Institute on the project.

 

We have worked hard to get this campaign under way and look forward to working on this project and hope to be able to help all staff have the confidence to engage with patients and carers and have the right conversations with them, and to raise awareness of the important part everyone has to play in helping to safeguard against what are largely avoidable infections.

 

MRSA Action UK is now online at JustGiving

We have subscribed to JustGiving to enable secure on-line donations.  This has the added benefit of JustGiving  reclaiming Gift Aid on our behalf, and anyone wanting to raise funds on the Charity's behalf will be able to create a fundraising page.  It is possible to raise funds in memory of someone.  You can find our Charity's page at
http://www.justgiving.com/mrsaactionuk

 

Alison Scott is raising funds and awareness through JustGiving by Running the Reading Marathon in memory of her Aunt Alice next month.  Anyone wishing to support Alison can do so by visiting her page at http://www.justgiving.com/Alison-scott

 

Alice when she was a young girl pictured on Alison's JustGiving page

Alice

Alison's Aunt Alice didn't recover from MRSA so this is a fitting way to remember her.  Mark and Emma will be proud that their mum is being remembered this way.  Thank you Alison. 

Colin

JustGiving will also help raise funds for our London Marathon place, if you want to sponsor Carl Millington you will be able to do this through the JustGiving website, visit Carl's page at http://www.justgiving.com/Carl-Millington

 

The Improvement Foundation

Reducing Infections Outside of Hospital Programme

It is with regret that we have to pass on the news that the Improvement Foundation is no longer operating.  Budget cuts across Primary Care Trusts have led to cuts in investment in healthcare associated infection programmes and training has to be delivered in other ways.

 

We are extremely concerned that what we feared has come to fruition, budget cuts are impacting directly on infection prevention and control.  Whilst Primary and Acute Hospital Trusts do have the discretion to invest funds where they will have the most impact, the Government's demand for efficiency savings are impacting throughout healthcare.

 

The irony is that more funding is being ploughed into Social Care, but not enough to have a significant impact, and this funding has been drawn in part from the efficiency savings that have to be delivered by Primary and Acute Trusts.

 

Despite all of the recent work that has gone into educating and preventing healthcare infections over the last five years and the warnings from the the National Audit Office, and other professional bodies, we are in danger of not only seeing another rising trend in the figures reported by Government, but increased threats from other infections that go unreported.

 

We will continue to promote the measures that the Improvement Foundation successfully implemented with the Care Homes that took part.  North Tees were the first PCT to take up the programme, and there was a significant impact on better communication between hospitals and care homes, and judicious use of antibiotics.

 

All staff who had taken part knew how to identify those at risk from contracting an infection, what to look out for and what to do. Care Home staff had developed innovative ways to encourage hand hygiene amongst residents, visitors and to spread the word about the importance of hand hygiene. New cleaning regimes had been launched with monitoring in place; there were improvements in the use of care plans both in terms of admittance to hospital and discharge planning.  The use of high risk antibiotics which can cause C.diff had reduced.  All this was as a direct result of the actions of staff in the care homes and what they had taken away with them from their shared learning and development of good practice.  Furthermore Health Protection Agency data shows that there is a reduction in the numbers of people contracting C.diff in the area.

 

The other sad irony is that over the past five years of campaigning for measures to reduce healthcare associated infections in our hospitals, politicians and civil servants had made much of the fact that healthcare infections are being taken into the hospital from the community.  Whilst we would not disagree with this, not all infections in our hospitals come from this arena, our sadness at the Improvement Foundation ceasing to operate is that we have lost a valuable tool in reducing infections in the community and in part helping to educate staff, residents and their families on what to expect and what precautions to take in regard to preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections.

 

Whilst we know there is a need for efficiency savings it is disingenuous of our political leaders to say that tackling healthcare infections is at the top of the health agenda yet quietly without notice, without information, they are removing the very support needed to tackle healthcare associated infections in our health economy.

JANUARY 2010 SUMMARY

We would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that the start of this decade will see even more improvements in health and social care, keeping high quality, safe care at the top of the agenda.  The Board of Trustees would like to thank everyone for their continuing support, and a special thank you goes out to
Brian Long for the donation made to the Charity at Christmas, our thoughts are with Brian and his family at this time.

 

Although many of us have joined MRSA Action UK because you have been affected by MRSA it is always worth remembering the drive to educate and improve the public's knowledge of the things we can all do to make a difference to stay well and avoid the risks from infections that will help in the campaign for safer healthcare.  One of the most significant developments of last year was the information campaign launched to advise the public of what to do to reduce the risks from Swine Flu.  Many of the measures are good practice and will undoubtedly have an impact on the acquisition of many infections and viruses, despite our disappointment at the postponement of the Department of Health's information campaign on healthcare associated infections, we believe the Swine Flu campaign has helped to raise issues about infection prevention and control and bring this into the public domain.  Derek Butler took the opportunity to meet Janice Stevens following an invitation from the Chief Nursing Officer to discuss our concerns at the delay in the public information campaign and the cuts to central support for infection prevention and control.

DECEMBER 2009 SUMMARY

 

Welcome to the last newsletter for 2009.  The last twelve months have been very challenging for the Charity, we have had some successes and disappointments.   The delay in the Patient and Public Awareness Campaign until the spring of next year was an especially big disappointment for us and this means we have to work twice as hard at raising awareness in partnership with sponsors and our colleagues in healthcare.

 

Our successes have included the changes to how the national figures for infections are now released after our meetings with representatives from the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency; we now publish the monthly figures by region on our website.  Our work is continuing with the Improvement Foundation working with care homes and we formed a partnership with an advocacy group in the US with Jeanine Thomas.  Another success is our partnership with Eileen Henderson from Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust and her Trust's "Give soap a chance campaign".  We hope you enjoy reading the last newsletter of 2009 and that you have a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

 

 "Give Soap a Chance" demonstration gives staff and students the opportunity to discover "How clean are your hands?"

On the 9th December 2009 students and staff at Hull University Business School were invited to see how they scrub up when NHS staff brought in a lightbox, highlighting germs and infections that are carried on the skin on a daily basis.

 

The "Give Soap a Chance" demonstration was developed as part of a new training programme run for staff at the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust by Hull University Business School, which aims to raise awareness of infection prevention and control.

 

As well as examining grubby hands, 18 members of NHS staff members became the first cohort to receive a University accredited certificate for the "Leading Change and Best Practice in Health Care Associated Infections" at a special Celebration of Achievement ceremony, held at the school.

 

Brian Milsom, who leads the course on behalf of the business school, believes that this course is "vital to raising awareness of how infection can spread and putting positive processes in place to decrease the effects."

 

"Through the course, link practitioners are given the tools to become more proactive and to lead change through challenging bad practice and becoming role models of good practice in the ward amongst other colleagues, professionals, patients and visitors.

 

"As we have seen through the results of the lightbox, even those who think they have clean hands can carry germs and infections, which can be eliminated through simple measures."

 

Derek Butler, Chair of MRSA Action UK, was the special guest at the event and presented the staff with their certificates.  "This is an excellent programme and we are delighted that so many of the staff have achieved this certificate. Through empowering staff and enhancing their leadership skills, we are sure that there will be a tangible impact on the Trust's infection control targets in the future."

 

Since the programme began, 18 members of staff from Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust have passed through the programme.  Eileen Henderson, Assistant to Medical Director at the Trust said: "One of the real positives from the Give Soap A Chance campaign has been engaging with other organisations in the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire region. The close working relationship we have enjoyed with the University of Hull Business School demonstrates what can be achieved when we work in partnership.  We are delighted that our staff have received the accreditation from the University today.  And we are pleased to see that the University staff and students appear to be adhering to good handwashing practices!"

 

Derek spoke of the significance of the programme and how important it was to continue to lead the way to prevent infections.  A healthcare infection creates a ripple for those affected, it's aftermath not only impacts on the person who contracts an infection but on the families too.  In the same way leading by example and following good practice creates a ripple and will spread throughout an organisation.

 

Derek Butler hands over an award to link nurse Fiona Dickinson

 

 Welcome to our new member Margaret Griffiths

 

When Margaret joined us we invited her to tell us about her experience with MRSA.  Margaret would also like to raise funds for MRSA Action UK through the sale of her tribute to Edith Piaf, the captivating "Spirit of Piaf"

 

Margaret writes....

 

"I recently found MRSA Action UK on the internet, having looked to see if there was a charity set up to raise public awareness about this condition and to help its prevention.  I found MRSA Action's mission statement to be precisely that and more.

 

I had very little knowledge of MRSA until I contracted it myself in June 2007.  I had been receiving treatment for breast cancer and following surgery, I completed six months of chemotherapy, which I was given through a Hickman line (which many of you will know is a tube which goes through the chest, directly into one of the main blood vessels, located near the heart.)  Because of its location and the way chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, an infection through the Hickman line is dangerous.  Having gone to bed early one evening feeling unwell, my body seemed quickly to go into shock. Although it was mid-summer, I felt freezing cold and found that I did not have the strength to move, so had no way of getting help.  Fortunately, my daughter her fiance (now husband) happened to call at the house soon afterwards and summoned an ambulance, which arrived in minutes, taking me to hospital, where I discovered I had septicaemia, resulting from an MRSA infection through the Hickman line.  I learned that I had very little time to live without medical intervention.  Had my daughter not called, my husband was not due back for several hours, by which time I would have died.  I definitely have a guardian angel, who has come to my aid several times now!

 

At the hospital I was kept in isolation for over two weeks, receiving heavy doses of intravenous antibiotics.  I was just getting over this infection, which had left me considerably weakened but recovering, when I underwent a month of radiotherapy.  Unfortunately, this seemed to be too much for my body to cope with on top of everything else and I ended up with chronic pain and fatigue, which I have endured ever since.  I do not know whether that would have occurred had I not had the radiotherapy straight afterwards, but I do believe that the MRSA infection may well have contributed to my ongoing disability.

 

I had a year of Herceptin afterwards, given to me intravenously, but I refused to have another Hickman line fitted as I felt the risk of infection was too high.  Had I known the risks beforehand, I would not have agreed to have a Hickman line fitted.

 

Prior to my illness I had two careers: one was as a solicitor, running my own practice for over twenty years; the other was as an actress/singer and theatre producer, running my own theatre company, Troika Productions.  Following a touring performance of Pam Gems' play, "Piaf" (a biopic of the life and music of Edith Piaf), I formed an act called Spirit of Piaf, performing many of Piaf's songs at various venues, including theatre, cabaret and restaurants.  Having recorded an album of these songs, "The Essential Spirit of Piaf" (which I originally planned to sell at our gigs, but which I have no longer been able to perform), I used the sale of the cd to raise money for Cancer Research UK. (The cd sales plus other fundraising by my family has so far raised 3000 pounds for Cancer Research UK.)

     

Since learning of the work of MRSA Action UK, I would now like to support this charity by contributing 2 pounds from every cd sold between now and 28th February to MRSA Action UK.  The cds are 6.99 each (2.00 of which will be donated to MRSA Action UK) + 1 pound for postage and packing.  From early January 2010 they can be purchased by going to www.troikaproductions.co.uk    The tracks are also available on iTunes but to ensure a donation is made, the purchase needs to be made via the Troika Productions website.

 

I hope eventually to be able to return to work in some capacity or other and particularly to be able to perform again.  Whilst the road to recovery from cancer and its treatments was a challenge, I believe this one for me has been a harder task.  Whereas there was plenty of information available to me about the cancer treatment and what to expect, there has been little or no information given to me about the MRSA and its possible long-term effects.  I would very much like to see that situation changed with there being much more openness by the hospitals and support for those who have been affected by it."

 

IN REMEMBRANCE

 

This time of year can sometimes be difficult when those we love are not here to celebrate with us.  Our thoughts are with Sue Fallon whose father sadly passed away on the 8th December.

 

Remembering those who have an Anniversary around this time, our thoughts are with you.

 

In Loving Memory of John Howard Crews

17th November 1949 ~ 27th December 2003

 

NOVEMBER 2009 SUMMARY

Welcome to November's newsletter summary, and again we have had a very busy month, with work that has been going on behind the scenes.  We would like to begin by thanking Keith Freel from Northern Ireland, Eileen Mitchell and Sue Fallon, partner Clive and Jade Hampton for raising monies on behalf of our Charity.

 

We have received a letter from the Health Secretary Andrew Burnham MP in relation to the Public and Patient Awareness Campaign that was supposed to have been launched in the summer.  He has informed us that he has taken the decision to delay the launch of this campaign because of the second wave of the swine flu.  We have replied to him and others within the Department of Health with our concerns relating to his decision. We have also responded to the report from the Public Accounts Committee that criticises the Government's efforts to reduce infections in our hospitals, we received some media coverage including Sky News, and interest in a members experience of how contracting MRSA had affected the family.

 

Hull & East Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust Give Soap a Chance campaign

 

Give Soap a Chance has been embraced by the public, business organisations and schools throughout the region.  It's aim, to cut down on infections within the community by encouraging proper handwashing, has struck a chord with people everywhere.

 

Give Soap a Chance was launched in March this year by Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, which capitalised on its success as one of the best in the country at tackling healthcare infections within its hospitals by taking its hand-washing message out into the local community. On 23rd October Derek Butler and Maria Cann visited Eileen Henderson, Assistant to Medical Director, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to see the work going on in the region.  MRSA Action UK are proud to join the partnership and help promote this worthwhile campaign. On 9th December Derek will present awards to the latest infection prevention links who have completed their training at the Business School, Hull University.

    

18th November 2009

 

Over four million people in the EU acquire a healthcare-associated infection every year, of whom approximately 37,000 die as a direct result of the infection. The death toll from healthcare-associated infections is comparable to the number of people who die each year in road traffic accidents.  It is estimated that 20-30 % of all such infections could be prevented by better hygiene and infection control procedures. The publication by the European Commission of a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections, recognises this as a severe public health problem and calls on the EU Member States to take action. The Annual Epidemiological Report provides the evidence of the scale of the problem and proposes some measures to both improve the monitoring of these infections and successfully reduce them.  Source:  Annual Epidemiological Report on Communicable Diseases in Europe 2008, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

 

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, which monitors and advises on disease in EU, calculates that with a hospital day costing an average of 366 euros ($548), superbug infections are already sucking up 900 million euros a year in extra hospital costs, and a further 600 million euros a year in lost productivity.

 

Across the European Union the number of patients infected by resistant bacteria is increasing and antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health.  Britain's government was criticised by a parliamentary committee on Tuesday 10 November for failing to tackle the majority of hospital-acquired infections by narrowing its focus to two high profile ones - MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

 

The ECDC is planning an "antibiotic awareness" campaign on November 18^th 2009 to urge doctors to stop overprescribing antibiotics.

 

Work with the European Union includes education for children and young people to learn about antibiotics and their effective use.  Learning about microbes and hygiene, prevention being better than cure is a key theme in the programme.  MRSA Action UK is promoting the programme in Morrisons magazine, now due to be published in December.

 

OCTOBER 2009 SUMMARY

 

Welcome to our October newsletter summary. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to raising the profile of healthcare infections. A special thank you to Jade Hampton, Susan Fallon and Clive for the work they did organising the Fund Run in Memory of Samantha, Sue's daughter and for the generosity of everyone who sponsored the event to raise funds for the Charity. We would also like to congratulate Eileen Mitchell for completing the Great North Run once again.

 

This last month has been extremely busy with Improvement Foundation events with Care Homes, Conferences including Public Service Events, and of course, World MRSA Day.  Bedford NHS Trust Hand Hygiene awareness week gave an opportunity for the first NHS Trust to help promote this important day. More information on World MRSA Day and its official recognition in Chicago, Illinois is inside the newsletter, a full copy is available here.

 

The Party Political Conferences are now over, and each of the main Political Parties have set out their plans for the forthcoming General Election. We have serious concerns regarding plans for the public spending squeeze and health. We will be writing to the three main Parties to ensure that they are very clear that we would not like to see funding for Infection Prevention and Control cut in any manner. We must ensure we keep the pressure on to ensure the momentum continues to reduce healthcare associated infections and instil a culture of safety first for patients.

 

FUND RUN IN MEMORY OF SAMMIE FALLON

Earlier this year MRSA Action UK met the family and friends of Sammie Fallon.  Sam was diagnosed with MRSA after a bone marrow sample was taken from her hip, and tragically died aged just 17 years old. Sammie's friend Jade Hampton organised a fundraising event in memory of Sammie with the help of Sammie's family and friends.  It was a successful day and a lovely way to remember Sammie too.  MRSA Action UK are proud of Jade and her efforts and planning that went into organising this event.  We would also like to thank everyone who took part and the people who sponsored them.  A big thank you also to the companies that gave up their time to join in free-of-charge on the day.  The events on the day raised 370 pounds and there is also around 1,000 pounds in sponsorship still to come, click here to read more.

 

IN REMEMBRANCE

 

Remembering those who have an Anniversary around this time, our thoughts are with you.

In loving memory of Patricia Margaret Galvin, 5^th November 1935 - 23^rd October 2004

 

We would like to thank our Members and company sponsors for their continuing support.

SEPTEMBER 2009 SUMMARY

September has been a busy month with members raising awareness and preparations being made for Sammie's Fund Run and World MRSA Day.

 

Final arrangements are in place for World MRSA Day and we are hopeful that other organisations will take the opportunity to use the month of October to raise awareness of this important issue.  In the USA candlelight vigils for those who have lost their life to MRSA will be observed on October 2nd and throughout MRSA Awareness Month - October.

 

Jeanine Thomas will be launching the International press conference event in Chicago at Loyola University, Beane Hall at 10:00am on October 1^st 2009.  Maria Cann will be at the Public Service Events Conference "Infection Control 2009" in London on the 1^st October and has been invited to join the panel for discussion, the event is chaired by our President Professor Hugh Pennington, Maria will be letting everyone at the conference know that this is their opportunity to spread the word and hold awareness events through the month of October.  Derek Butler will be doing the same at the Improvement Foundation Conference in the Wirral on October 1^st.

 

On October 2^nd Derek Butler and Maria Cann have been invited to Bedford Hospital and there will be a lot of activity with the annual event, there will be opportunities to promote the work of our Charity with our leaflets being made available to anyone who needs them, and 1,000 ribbons being distributed to mark the occasion. A big thank you to Wendy Slack who has volunteered to make the ribbons.

 

Ashley Brooks will be helping promote MRSA Awareness month through the Max Campaign, and we will be in touch with President of the Infection Prevention Society, Martin Kiernan to help raise awareness linking in to International Infection Prevention Week October 18-24, 2009.  This is the first year of World MRSA Awareness Month and we hope to build momentum and see more events being held to conquer this global problem.

 

Our thanks to our membership and sponsors, who without their help it would not be possible to continue the campaign to raise awareness and keep up the fight to prevent healthcare infections.

We continue to receive many calls for assistance from the public, some of which have been fielded through NHS Direct.  We have a new web-page and resource for parents and children which will be featured in November's edition of Morrisons Magazine. E-bug is a fun way for children to learn about bugs and how to stay healthy. It links with the national curriculum and is supported with the Department of Health, Education and Health Protection Agency.  It also provides links to information about Swine Flu and advice for parents, especially useful now that children are back to school.  More information is available in our monthly newsletter to members, why not join today to find out more click here.

AUGUST 2009 SUMMARY

Welcome to the August Newsletter and we begin by thanking everyone for their continuing support and to welcome our new members.

 

August is traditionally a quiet month for our Charity and although our elected representatives start their summer recess and are enjoying an 82-day break, our Charity's work continues. 

 

World MRSA Day is being held on October 2^nd, and anyone wishing to hold an event in their area can contact the Secretary who will help with any materials needed and media coverage. 

 

HALO is now available online

Sponsors Eastern Valley Chemicals have now launched Halo liquid online, so if you want to try it out you can purchase the first washing liquid to kill MRSA and C.diff at 30 degrees, especially useful for more delicate fabrics.  Distributor Paul Ward will be appearing on TV this week, and we wish him every success.  Sales have increased with all the information about good hygiene and infection prevention being issued by the Department of Health since the outbreak of the swine flu.  Good luck Paul.  If you don't have internet access and want to know more then please contact the Secretary.  Details of the laundry detergent, in sachets and bottles, can be found at
http://www.germwarfare.co.uk/products/laundry/halo-non-bio-laundry-sachets.phuse

 

DRAGON'S DEN

Wednesday 12th August, 21:00 on BBC Two



Entrepreneurs brave enough to climb the infamous stairs into the Den should not expect an easy ride. With the Dragons investing their own money, only the best ideas and inventions will secure investment from five of the country's most influential multimillionaires. With everything at stake, who will be victorious this time?

For Lancashire-based Paul Ward, the current swine flu pandemic has boosted sales of his bug-busting cleaning products, but will the Dragons be impressed enough to invest?  More.......

 

MRSA ACTION UK IN THE NEWS

 NHS 247 - Tackling MRSA

Sky Freesat Schedule
New documentary series:
Tackling MRSA and other hospital related infections

The interviews that were filmed on the day of the Memorial Event in London last month have so far been slotted into 4 programmes on NHS247.  Up to now only our Chair Derek Butler has appeared, although there were cameo appearances on the one-to-one slot by way of photos from our display stand, Mavis, Hayleigh and Edwina feature.  We are hoping that the footage at Westminster Abbey will be shown at some point, together with interviews with many of our members who were in attendance.  The shows screened so far are online and on our press and media pages of the website.

 

MRSA Action UK were asked to comment on two issues this month, the first being the damning report giving to King's College Hospital by the Care Quality Commission, then an editorial opportunity with the final reading of the Coroner's and Justice Bill with Politics.co.uk.  Susan Willis in the South West region is campaigning to remove the "best guessing" practice that is used by doctors and skewing information, and not showing the true cause of death, shamefully this practice is legal and MRSA Action UK will join Susan in lobbying to change the practice, through the House of Lords if needs be.  Details of the petition: Following the death of a patient, Doctors must note a cause of death "to the best of their knowledge" (or as our Consultant said "best guess") even if a post mortem is planned. If that cause of death is proven inaccurate after post mortem a revised death certificate is issued which retains the inaccuracies within the "cause of death" box with a small footnote, outside this box, at the bottom of the certificate which states the truth. You would hardly notice it and, if you did, you would assume the notes in the cause of death box were still true.

The Government must allow new death certificates to be issued when the cause of death is proven incorrect. Secondly, they must examine the practice that Doctors are able to make "best guesses" when a cause of death is not certain. How are UK health statistics skewed by this? How many families are unaware that they have a false medical history which could make the difference between life and death in future generations. How many families are left with certificates which retain distressing untruths with the true cause as an insignificant footnote? 
Please sign up to support Susan at
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Dcertification/

FUN RUN IN MEMORY OF SAMMIE FALLON

Sunday 27th September at 12pm at Westport Lake, Longport, Stoke on Trent

 

Jade Hampton is organising a tribute to her friend Sammie Fallon, who tragically died last year with MRSA.  Sammie was just 17 years old. 

 

 

Sammie

 

Friends from MRSA Action UK met Jade and Sammie's friends and family earlier in the year.

 

An awareness event was held in honour of Sammie to help students at Newcastle College understand the risks from infection and how best to avoid it in the community setting, also what to look out for if they have to go into hospital.

 

 

 

Jade and Sammie

 

If you would like to take part in the Fun Run, help raise sponsorship or help Jade please contact the Secretary.

JULY 2009 SUMMARY

Welcome to the July Newsletter summary, and we begin by thanking everyone for their continuing support which enabled us to hold our annual Memorial Event at Westminster Abbey.  At this year's event we saw and met many old and new friends at the Abbey, it was a salutary reminder that our battle to reduce healthcare infections has to continue, as this year we met many new members for the first time, some of whom have only recently been affected or had lost a loved one.  Thank you to all of you who attended.


The ceremony at the Abbey was a very fitting and moving occasion with many people from across healthcare who share our passion and desire to see these infections brought under control. We would like to thank Infection Solutions for the commemorative booklet of the event, which all members and guests received.

Jeanine Thomas, spokesperson for MRSA Survivors Network, travelled from Chicago, Illinois to join us at Westminster Abbey and made many new friends at the event, we will join Jeanine in promoting World MRSA Day on 2^nd October and MRSA Awareness Month.  To read more about the Memorial Event and our Tribute click here.

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST

To all those who have anniversaries at this time of year, our thoughts are with you.  Our thoughts are with Colin Law's family and Joyce Morrison's family whose anniversaries were in July.

If you would like a lasting tribute on MRSA Action UK's website then please contact the Secretary, Maria Cann who will be happy to place your tribute on the website.

MAY 2009 SUMMARY

We begin this month's newsletter with some excellent news regarding one of our sponsors. MRSA Action UK would like to congratulate Peter Gardner and Richard Burton from Disposable Cubicle Curtains Ltd for being awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. Peter gained the Queen's Award for his life-saving idea of a disposable cubicle curtain which has helped the super bug rate to plummet in dozens of hospitals.

 

Peter Gardner, Chairman for Disposable Cubicle Curtains Ltd said:

"Infection control is such a high priority in all healthcare environments and we are proud to be playing such an important part in the fight against it."

 

Peter caught MRSA while in Guy's and St Thomas' hospital in London for kidney stones treatment in 2004 and he set up his business, Disposable Cubicle Curtains Ltd, within the same year. Peter and Richard approached our Charity at last year's Memorial Event and help us through sponsorship and are now honorary members.

 

On the 2nd October Jeanine Thomas, Chair and Spokesperson for the MRSA Survivors Network in the USA is coordinating a worldwide event to raise the profile of MRSA. It is estimated that there are up to 53 million people worldwide who are colonised and some 2 million who become infected by MRSA every year. MRSA Action UK will be working with Jeanine over the coming months to raise the profile of this event both here and in the USA. Any member who wishes to help in holding an event in their local area on October 2nd should contact the Secretary.

 

MRSA Action UK met with the Department of Health and Health Protection Agency to look at the publication and reporting of MRSA and Clostridium difficile.  Our recently published articles on the statistics published by the Health Protection Agency have aroused significant interest in the health community.  Of specific interest to our Charity and the people who we come into contact with, whether healthcare provider or patient, is the lack of understanding surrounding the targets and claims that all is well and we are overcoming the healthcare infections that blight so many of our hospitals and other care settings.  Confusion often arises over the proclamation of a continuing fall in the numbers of cases of MRSA and Clostridium difficile, and claims of zero MRSA, when patients are still succumbing to infections whilst in the care of the NHS, and in the private sector too. Whilst many Trusts are to be applauded in their work and efforts to drive down infections, the picture is not uniform across the country.

 

We would like to see regional reporting on targets, and information on surgical site infections published in the same way as the bloodstream infections. These are both mandatory schemes, however the surgical site data is harder to interpret as the frequency of its publication is less, and the data is not continuously collected, therefore it is difficult to make a choice about where you would go for surgery if you wanted to base your decision on the lowest risk of contracting an infection.  The Scorecard on the NHS Choices website does not go into enough depth; we believe the data should be made available at hospital level rather than Trust level. Even without hospital level data, the current system could be improved by graphing the data and comparing with the nearest geographical neighbour in the same way as Doctor Foster Health.

 

The Department of Health will be looking to change way the commentary on the figures will appear, it will be clear that where Trusts are not performing the Department will be paying particular attention and making sure that Trusts are taking the necessary measures to improve.  The Department will be looking at simplifying the data and broadening the reporting to include surgical site, urinary and catheter infections, with the design of the data to be agreed.  With regard to NHS Choices data, there is a longer term goal to broaden to hospital reporting, however there is no reason why hospitals cannot publish their data, and make this available at the Reception and this is beginning to happen.  There would be a priority put on the publication of the mandatory reporting on surgical site infections, and to broaden the reporting on urinary and catheter infections at Trust level, this will be a more open and accountable way of letting the public know infection rates in hospital and will enable better performance management with more of a focus on reducing all avoidable infections. Derek Butler, Chair

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST

  

To all those who have anniversaries at this time of year, our thoughts are with you.  This month was the first anniversary of Samantha Fallon who tragically died aged 17 on 9th May 2008, our thoughts are with Samantha's family.

 

If you would like a lasting tribute on MRSA Action UK's website then please contact the Secretary, Maria Cann who will be happy to place your tribute on the website.

 

 APRIL 2009 SUMMARY

Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter, and we hope that you all enjoyed some relaxing time over the Easter break. This last month has seen a few significant events happen in relation to the work for which we are campaigning. Since our last newsletter in March, the latest figures have been released for MRSA bacteraemias covering the period October to December 2008. The figures reveal that the postcode lottery very much remains and whilst we welcome the continuing downward trend in the numbers MRSA bloodstream infections, there remain some worrying facts that need to be addressed before we can finally say we have turned the corner in the battle with healthcare acquired infections.

 

A significant number of hospital trusts have higher MRSA bacteraemias this quarter compared to the last quarter, and some trusts have made no reduction at all. In fact, the 7% reduction in this particular quarter had been achieved by less than half of all NHS Acute Trusts, with some making little significant improvement over the last 2 years.  MRSA Action UK has called on the Department of Health to make better use of data to identify those Trusts who are putting patient safety at risk not only in respect to Healthcare Infections, but from other sources as well. Only last month we witnessed the shambolic management of Stafford General Hospital, and reports stated that regulators had ignored the desperate pleas of patients and their relatives, it took an independent research company to identify that there was a real problem with the statistics on mortality that prompted investigation. If you look at the Dr Foster Hospital Guide, you will see that Stafford Hospital is not the only hospital with a high mortality rates for some procedures. It certainly has the highest MRSA and C.diff rates in the area. The data, which is freely available and in the public domain we believe should be used as a management tool, not only by the Hospital Trust Boards and managers, but also by the regulators.

 

The NHS has adopted a zero tolerance ethos to infections, but it needs to be from Board to Ward, hospital to hospital. If the hospital does not support its staff by empowering them with the skills and resources to make care safer, then ultimately this will mean more infections, harm and sadly avoidable deaths.

 

When this Government introduced the system of mandatory reporting for MRSA bacteraemias, everyone thought that we could never achieve such reductions in the numbers of infections. A large proportion of NHS staff should rightly be applauded for bringing down their MRSA rates, but we need to see more focus on those hospitals struggling to make the reductions necessary. The mandatory reporting system has focused everyone's mind on the drive to reduce MRSA bacteraemias and as such, MRSA Action UK now believes it is time to roll this quarterly reporting system out to other MRSA infections and bacterial infections that cause severe illness and sadly sometimes death. In doing this, we would then be able to drive down those infections to the same level or lower as MRSA bacteraemias.

 

There has to be open accessible reporting of all healthcare statistics, and while we can praise the Government for focusing on policies to reduce these infections. We must never forget that it was Government policy and a focus on other targets that made everyone take their eye off the ball and allow infections to spiral out of control in the first place.

 

On the 1st April a new regulator came in to force monitoring performance across health and social care. We have a very specific interest in the new super regulator the Care Quality Commission, and some people may think that its name is inspiring and gives hope that patients will receive care of a quality they should expect from a modern society in the 21st century. Whilst we believe it makes sense for a modern healthcare system to have a single regulator. It is MRSA Action UK's contention that the Care Quality Commission's primary role must be to safeguard vulnerable people and patients in hospital and across the healthcare setting from the exposure to not only Healthcare Infections, but more recently from adverse events that happen all to often in our hospitals and care homes.

 

The new regulator we believe has been created at a very pivotal point in time for the NHS. We are beginning to see great strides being made to improve patient care, but with ever-greater pressure on hospital budgets, these will inevitably be under ever-greater strain as the economic situation deteriorates.  The Care Quality Commission must ensure that patient safety and quality of care do not sufferer consequently. They have to ensure those NHS Trusts who have failed to comply with their requirements under the Hygiene code are made to put their house in order and the new regulator must stay ever vigilant to ensure all hospitals not only meet the standards under the Hygiene Code, but exceed it as a moral obligation.   Derek Butler, Chair

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST

 

To all those who have anniversaries at this time of year, our thoughts are with you.  This month will be the anniversary of Tom Snowball's passing, on 23^rd April 2008.  Tom our Vice Chair and founding member lost his battle with cancer and sadly passed away last year, our thoughts are with Tom's family.

 

There are some lovely tributes on our Memorials pages from the late Patricia Tinman's family.  Patricia sadly passed away last summer after contracting MRSA following dental treatment.  Our thoughts are with Patricia's family who will be helping in our campaign to raise awareness of healthcare infections.

MARCH 2009 SUMMARY

Welcome to the summary of our March 2009 Newsletter.  I am delighted to have been re-elected as Chair of MRSA Action UK at the AGM earlier this month, and would like to thank all our members, sponsors and of course the Board of Trustees, who are also pleased to continue in their roles this year.  We had two retiring Trustees and our thanks go to Samantha Bradley who has retired but is delighted to remain as Newsletter Editor.  Thanks also to Nicola Mayers who retired from her role as Trustee following her move to London and the birth of her son Joshua, congratulations to Nicola and proud dad Carl.
 Derek Butler, Chair

 

A tribute to Sammie Fallon

MRSA Action UK attended Newcastle-Under-Lyme college as a result of Sam's friend Jade Hampton getting in touch wishing to pay tribute to her friend and to give her colleagues at the college an opportunity to understand the infection MRSA and what precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of becoming ill with an infection, either when receiving healthcare or in day to day activity.  As the headline in the local paper says "Education can cut killer superbug".  Sam's friends agree that raising awareness is important.  Jade is pictured with Derek Butler and Sam's mum Sue Fallon at the College last week. 

It was a very moving day and it was a privilege to meet Sam's friends and her mum Sue, we hope this will one of many events with young people to help raise awareness of healthcare infections and how to protect yourself, a full record of the event can be found here  Jade is organising a fun run in the Summer to raise funds for MRSA Action UK, if you would like to help or take part please email us at info@mrsaactionuk.net

 

 

Infection Control Awareness for "blue light responders"

The control of Healthcare Associated Infections has been one of the greatest challenges for the NHS during the past decade.  But what does it mean to the Emergency Services?

 

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Tony McGuirk, believes that effective infection control shouldn't be confined to hospital environments but requires action by all partners in the public sector.  "Though reports suggest that a key weakness in the infection cycle is ambulance cleanliness, I've recognised for some time that the environments in which we deploy our Fire & Rescue staff also make them vulnerable to an equally wide range of infections, in many ways all blue light workers face similar challenges and the risk of infection."

 

For all such situations, suitable controls are necessary and available to assist response staff in protecting themselves and others from infection.  This process of control should commence with a realistic assessment of risk for the particular work activity in which workers are involved, and consideration of how any identified risk might be mitigated.  If possible, the avoidance of known, hazardous situations is recommended, but for blue light responders this is unlikely to be an option.

 

Mr McGuirk's response to concerns around infection control has been to instigate practical

partnerships with his peers in Ambulance Services to identify real world solutions to the threats of infection control.

 

"Over several years we at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have consistently set about employing our resources into preventative strategies. We've had many successes and we have sought to go beyond the traditional boundaries of people's expectations of the role of a Fire and Rescue Service, this success hasn't been achieved in isolation and this change initiative sees us working closely with two new partners the West Midlands & Welsh Ambulance Trusts, with interest also shown by colleagues in Scotland.

 

The joint-project will focus on the deep cleaning of vehicles through the trial of a new Decontamination System.  

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have appointed Gary Oakford to lead on the project he explains "What would be the cost of doing nothing; this is the single most important question I ask myself in the early stages of any project.  This was a new area for me personally, the opportunity to work with colleagues from the Ambulance Trusts and other key stakeholders from the NHS and Department of Health and the commercial sector"

 

   

Gary Oakford pictured with Edwina Currie

"It has allowed us to look at our own policies and procedures in relation to the control of infections, after all, firefighters are just like other blue light workers and are exposed to a range of occupational hazards everyday but we tend to focus on the risks that are visible and therefore obvious. But infection, for the most part, is invisible. So, like many other emergency service workers, we've perhaps not really given it the attention it warrants; unlike for example, manual handling or working at height, but the fact is that infections are just as real a threat."

 

Our next step is the production of a multi agency infection control awareness DVD; which will be seen by every operational staff member through to Chief Executive and key policy makers for all services, ensuring that infection control is raised as an agenda item, followed by the introduction of practically based solutions and service guidelines for the respective agencies, we are delighted to have also enrolled the support of Edwina Currie - Patron of MRSA Action UK to contribute to the DVD.

 NEW YEAR UPDATE 2009

The challenge for MRSA Action UK in 2009 is not only to keep up the pressure on our elected representatives, including the Government, but is to apply even more pressure in respect to publication of hospital infections, so that the general public have easier access to that information.  The Government have made it quite clear that they wish the people of this country to be able to choose which hospital to be treated in, and the opportunity to choose their surgeon.  As a Charity we believe that freedom of choice can only be made if patients and the public can easily see infection rates not only for hospitals, but for clinicians and surgeons as well.

 

Over the last year our Charity has received calls for help from the public on a daily basis, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Trustees, Mavis Law and Francis Batchelor who man the Charity's help-lines, and also those regional representatives who take calls and answer emails.  The info@mrsaactionuk.net email is busy both with requests for help, and with enquiries from others working in healthcare.  We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support over the last year and we look forward to working with them in the coming year - Derek Butler, Chair

DEATH CERTIFICATION AND CORONERS' REFORM BILL

Following our submission to the consultation on death certification and coroners' reform, guidance on support for bereaved relatives has been published by Government. It recognises that family members will have a right, on request, to see reports of any post-mortems carried out, and makes reference to support that other agencies such as ourselves can give where healthcare infections are a contributory factor or a cause of death.  Patients will have a right to approach the Coroner if they have evidence to suggest that there is a causal factor in a death that has not been mentioned in hospital post-mortems, or deaths in other institutions or at home.  For more information contact the Secretary.

 

NHS UNIFORMS - E-PETITION RESPONSE

MRSA Action UK and Penwith Older Peoples' Forum approved the proposal to create a petition to reintroduce the former NHS uniform policy in April 2008. We called on the Prime Minister to introduce legislation to make it compulsory for nurses to change out of their uniforms after working their shift, before leaving the hospital. This measure should be introduced to stop the spread of infectious and life-threatening illness caused by disease such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, and takes into account measures recently introduced to no longer require doctors to wear white coats.

On Friday 9 January the Government responded:

 "It is the responsibility of each NHS Trust to have its own policy about the wearing of uniforms and these may vary across the country.  Trusts' Chief Executives have responsibility for ensuring that nurses have enough suitable clothing and equipment to carry out their work effectively.  Trusts are expected to keep their policies in respect of uniforms and workwear under review.... Read the Governments' full response 

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition.  Our Press Release and response can be found here, following publication on Google News, Penwith Older Peoples' Forum received media interest from BBC Radio Cornwall and were interviewed on their reaction.

Christmas 2008 Newsletter Summary

Welcome to the summary of our Christmas Newsletter.  This time of year brings mixed emotions as this is a family time and it is good to be around those we love and to share our thoughts with friends, but for many of us it is also a time when we miss those who are no longer with us and our thoughts go out to all of you.  It can be difficult for those who have loved ones in hospital or who may be away from us for other reasons, and we hope that we can bring you some comfort to know that the campaigning work and the support we are giving people who come to us for advice and help is making a difference, both from the feedback we receive and the changes we are beginning to see and be a part of.

Events

Our record of events page gives a full report of the activities of MRSA Action UK over the past month.  Of significance was the European Antibiotic Awareness Day held in November.  There are education campaigns underway to raise awareness of the importance of the judicious use of antibiotics, and this campaign is aimed at everyone.  Of great interest was the E-bug campaign which has been devised to educate children of the importance of vaccines, benefits of antibiotics and the over use of antibiotics.  E-bug is in 18 countries worldwide with IT links and is student friendly.  The website can be accessed at  www.e-bug.eu

 

The areas of hand and respiratory hygiene and spread of infections in the community was discussed, demonstrating when and how to wash hands, so reducing the spread of infections. Decreased spread of respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin infections will, in turn, contribute to the reduction in antibiotic use, and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance.

 

Key Stage 2 Learning Resources have been developed in collaboration with the Health Protection Agency in preparation for the roll out to schools as part of the national curriculum.  Please visit the record of events page for a full outline of this important event.

 

MRSA Action UK 2009 Diaries

 

With the help of one of our sponsors, Infection Solutions, we are pleased to be able to offer soft leather effect pocket diaries for a small donation.  The attractive week to view diary features information on key questions about MRSA and its treatment, and contact details for anyone requiring help and support.  Featuring our logo on the front cover, it also includes personal notes, notable dates, London Tube map, M25 Orbital Map, National Rail network, international information and more.  If you would like to receive a diary then please contact the Chair Derek Butler, a suggested minimum donation of 6.00 pounds will enable us to cover postage and packing.   Click here to see a larger image.

Our thanks to Tom and Dave at Infection Solutions.

Our thoughts are with all those who have anniversaries this month, and we would like to thank everyone for their continuing support and wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

November 2008 Newsletter

Welcome to November's summary of our Newsletter to members.

It has been a busy month for MRSA Action UK with lots in the news and members getting involved in various events and opportunities to be involved in research.

Congratulations go to Eileen Mitchell who completed the Great North Run again this year and made a generous donation to MRSA Action UK.  Our thanks to Eileen.



Members of MRSA Action UK have been involved in reviewing research proposals with the aim of reducing healthcare infections.  Our thanks go to Arthur Briggs for his help and generous donation, and to our new Regional Representative in the South West Francesca Killen for the work they carried out on behalf of the Charity in its aim of reducing healthcare infections.  Thanks also to Arthur for the contribution to the Inquiry into Patient Safety.

You can read about the events that have taken place over the last month on our Record of Events Page.  There are also numerous interviews with the press including a video clip of an interview about the use of copper in hospitals on the Press page.

Thank you also to all those who signed the petition requesting legislation to bring the former NHS Uniform Policy requiring healthcare workers to change out of their uniforms before leaving the hospital. 

Our thoughts go to all those with anniversaries this month and if anyone would like to pay a special tribute to their loved one, then please contact the Secretary who can arrange for you to have a tribute on the Memorials page.

October 2008 Newsletter

One year ago the news of the deaths from C-diff at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals where in the news headlines and we would ask that you spare a little time to think of all those families whose lives have been changed for ever by those events.

 

The events at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals should be a salutary reminder to those who work in our NHS of the price that some of us have paid when the system of Infection, Prevention and Control fails. We ourselves know that the price that has been paid by those families and ourselves is one that is too much to bear. There can be no excuse for the loss of lives to what in all essence are avoidable infections and the heartache that this brings in its wake. We must also never forget that many have survived a Healthcare Infection, only to be left with a legacy that in many instances will live with those people for the rest of their lives.

 

Our campaign for safer hospitals and to raise public awareness has been given an extra urgency because of what has happened to those affected by avoidable Healthcare Infections and we must not relax the pressure on those who have the ability to make the changes necessary so that our hospitals are once again the safest in the world to use.

 

Our Charity has again had a busy month with Interviews, Conferences and Press releases, as you will see listed on our Record of Events and Press pages

 

Our thoughts are with all those with anniversaries this month.

September 2008 Newsletter

 

Welcome to the summary of September's Newsletter.

Party conference time

This years party conferences began with the Liberal Democrats Conference in Bournemouth.  Liz Lynne MEP, invited us to speak to hear the patient's perspective in relation to healthcare infections in our hospitals.  They wanted to hear what our proposals are to help to eradicate as far as is practicable, all avoidable healthcare infections from our hospitals.  We followed all the Party Conferences and took the opportunity to publish our manifesto outlining the scale of the problem and asking the government to make pledges to invest further in measures to bring performance to a level equivalent with our Northern European neighbours.  Click here to download a copy.

 

We had a lot of contact with the press this month and took the opportunity to challenge some of the claims of the government in respect to meeting the target to reduce MRSA by half the level of that in 2004, the figure had not reduced by half, and it must be remembered that the MRSA bacteraemias account for only 6% of all MRSA infections.  We highlighted the disparity around the country pointing out the postcode lottery.  Although challenged by the Department of Health we found that the following week the Liberal Democrats highlighted the same disparities in the press, no further comment was received from the Department of Health as they were unable to refute our figures, which were taken from the Health Protection Agency's publication.

 

Death certification reform

We have responded to the Consultation on Death Certification and the Charter for bereaved people.  As outlined last month we are asking that people who come forward requesting a review of case notes can have death certificates changed where it is proven that it was likely that MRSA or another infection contributed to a person's death.  It will be possible with the new legislation for people to call in the Coroner personally if they believe other agencies, for example a hospital or other institution, have failed to carry out this responsibility. 

 

We would like to thank our members and our sponsors for their continuing support.  A full copy of the newsletter is available to members, click here if you would like to join
MRSA Action UK.

August 2008 Newsletter
The months of July and August are usually quiet months for our Charity with it being the holiday period; however we have had yet another busy month with requests for help and information from organisations and from members of the public. 

"FEISTY PENSIONER GETS ON HER BIKE!!"
 
During September your Patron will be a bit busy out of the Country - cycling round the far end of the Baltic in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, the wonderful Charity which runs Hospices around the UK and the Home Nursing Service for people who are dying from cancer. 

The first riders go out in mid-August to Warsaw where Marie Curie was born (she was Polish, not French as everyone thinks) and ride to Vilnius in Lithuania, then to Riga in Latvia, then Tallinn in Estonia where I will join them on September 7. The last stage of the ride is 450 km, Tallinn to St Petersburg in Russia, 5 days in the saddle and about 60 miles riding each day. In all there will be about 110 riders, some of whom are doing the whole lot - 2,000km in four weeks! But I am only willing to do the last part, that is quite enough!

My husband John Jones (JJ) is flying to St Petersburg to welcome us in alongside numerous family members of other riders. His job is to hold up the "FINISH" banner and pour the (Russian) champagne. 

Then we will have a big party. In all we hope to raise some 400,000 pounds for this wonderful charity.

It will be the 8^th long-distance ride I've done since the first time in 1998. We've ridden in Egypt (twice), Russia, in Poland (twice), and done London to Amsterdam and London to Paris in 3 days. Right now I am training by cycling up and down Surrey hills where I live. It's horrible while I'm doing it but I feel great in a hot bath afterwards! 

If anyone is interested in sponsoring me then I have a website on the Just Giving site: that way the charity gets the tax back immediately.

www.justgiving.com/edwinacurrie  Keep pedalling!!

Edwina

Lord Naren Patel

We have also been asked for help from various Organisations, the first such request was from Lord Naren Patel for Presentation to the House of Lords. Lord Patel is an Obstetrician of International standing. Lord Patel specializes in the care of mothers in high risk pregnancy, and is Chair of the National Patients Safety Agency.

Lord Patel contacted our Chair on the 11^th July to inform him that he was raising the question in the House of Lords as to the continuing high levels of Healthcare Infections in our hospitals. Lord Patel presented information from MRSA Action UK calling for a Public Inquiry into the reasons for the continuing mortality and morbidity caused by Healthcare Associated Infections and the need for a National Policy on the eradication of MRSA. Lord Patel cited Edwina Currie's article in the Daily Mail "How Dare we let our dirty hospitals kill 8,000 a year?"  when giving his presentation to the Lords.

Health Select Committee Announcement of an Inquiry in to patient safety
On the 17th July Kevin Barron the Chair of the Health Select Committee announced that the Committee has decided it will undertake an inquiry into patient safety.

 

Our Charity has invited to submit written evidence to the Health Select Committee's Inquiry in to Patient Safety. We have informed the Committee that we intend to submit this written evidence by the deadline of the 22nd September.  Anyone wishing to submit their case as evidence please contact the Chair.

 

New Members

We would like to welcome our new members and to thank those of you who have kindly and generously donated to our Charity.  

 

Memorial Page

If any of you would like your Loved One's favourite photo, verse and music to be placed on our Memorial Page, please contact our Secretary Maria. To all those who have anniversaries our thoughts are with you, if you would like a tribute to your loved one in the Newsletter then please contact Sam.