These are just some of our more recent events. Visit our archived pages to see TV appearances and other activities in our work with government, healthcare trusts and other agencies to raise the profile and awareness about healthcare infections and disseminate good practice. If you would like more information about any of the items here, or if there other events you would like to see included then please contact us at info@mrsaactionuk.net
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Annual Infection Prevention and Control Conference 17 May 2012
Derek Butler and Maria Cann attended East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Annual Infection Prevention and Control Conference in Hatfield. Derek presented a very moving account of people who had been lost to MRSA and Clostridium difficile in both the hospital and community environment, those who had died were from all age groups, some were young and not all were being treated for life-threatening illness. Good practice was also included in the presentation giving an opportunity to show how good communication and information can make a difference to those families who are affected. More...
Andrea is invited to Number 10 and she's proudly sporting her MRSA awareness ribbon!
Since my beloved Dad passed away, I am sure that he has become my guardian angel and is working his magic up there for me. For since Dad's passing I have received three invitations out of the blue. Firstly to visit the House of Commons, secondly Number 10 and then on the 22nd May, Mum and I have been invited to the Queens Garden Party, which amazingly, is on my Dad's birthday. More...
SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands WHO's global annual campaign
5th May 2012
There was a lot of coverage in the press about the success of the cleanyourhands campaign and we took the opportunity to raise the profile of the day and the charity with the press, media and our newly formed social networking links. We have been invited to do an animated video through our colleagues at politics.co.uk and Derek met with them in Leeds on the 10th May to give advice on the structure of the video. Let us know if you saw any activity on promoting SAVE LIVES: cleanyourhands at your local hospital or surgery on 5th May
New links formed with the Bella Moss Foundation
Andrea Jenkyns was contacted by Jill Moss founder of the Bella Moss Foundation last month and Andrea met with Jill who sits on the advisory committee at DEFRA regarding resistant bacterial infections in companion animals and the use of antimicrobials and infection control in veterinarian practice. Jill, whose dog Bella died with MRSA, attended our inaugural Memorial Event back in 2005 and we will be meeting her again this year as she will be attending the Memorial Event at Westminster Abbey on the 28th June. We look forward to seeing Jill and working with her to raise awareness in the future.
Department of Health Workshop
Patient-Led Inspections of the Hospital Environment
20th April 2012
The Government is committed to a more central role for patients and the Prime Minister has announced that a new system of Patient-Led Inspections will replace Patient Environment Action Teams from 2013. The results of the new inspections will be reported publicly to help drive up standards of care. If you have been in hospital recently please take the time to complete the online survey here to say what's important to you, remember that the areas around your bed that are touched by you and the staff present a higher risk of contamination with bacteria that you can't see, and think about this when answering.
This is an important development that we hope will provide public assurance and protection, to help restore public trust and confidence in the action being taken to prevent and control healthcare associated infections, in what should be a caring environment. More...
On Sunday 15 April 2012 Jules achieved a fantastic 4 hour 26 minute finish
in the Brighton Marathon for MRSA Action UK
The Brighton Marathon had over 18,000 runners this year, and many charities were supported by the fantastic efforts of those taking part. For Julia Owen, aka Jules, this was a personal triumph as she completed the marathon in just 4 hours 26 minutes.
This is Jules's fourth race of the year, and race number fourteen for MRSA Action UK. Her husband Steve was cheering her on. It was perfect conditions for marathon running. Jules's phenomenal finish time left her delighted. She said "I'm so chuffed with the time".
We are chuffed too Jules, it's a fantastic achievement!
If Jules and Steve are running at a venue near you then please go and cheer them on, if you can't make it then leave a message on their Just Giving page. To follow Jules and Steve's progress and see how they are doing with their challenge visit their webpage at http://mrsaactionuk.net/julesnsteve.html
Derek Butler, Chair of MRSA Action UK
Met the critical care nurses at Kings College Hospital
on Wednesday 4th April 2012
On the 4th April Derek Butler visited Kings College hospital after being invited to give a presentation to around 15 critical care nurses. Sharon Radway the Sister of the Surgical/Medical Critical Care Unit at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust sent the invitation after watching Derek give a presentation to staff from across the hospital trust in 2010 on World MRSA Day. Sharon said that she wanted Derek to give a presentation to her team of nurses on the importance of good infection prevention and control and to let them hear for themselves the devastating effects these infections have, not just on the patient but on their families as well. Derek wanted to show them that whilst we can learn from the past, we must not live in the past and learn from the mistakes we have made, so that we never leave families with the legacy many of us have lived with for many years.
Derek's Presentation looked to the future and why it was so important that we get things right now, and not leave future generations wondering why we did nothing when we had the chance. Derek left this thought in their minds "That all we have to remember is that the only requisite for healthcare infections to spread is that good people do nothing."
Derek, pictured with staff and infection prevention and control nurses on World MRSA Day
House of Commons Event
Hosted by Robert Buckland MP
March 26th 2012
Helen Bronstein attended the House of Commons on March 26th at an event sponsored by Becton Dickenson, hosted by Robert Buckland MP. The theme was 'awareness'. Helen spoke of the need for a public health campaign that would give people control of their care, which should aim to have healthcare professionals and patients working towards the same goals. Helen said we had some successes in helping healthcare workers set up their infection control practices but it needs to be more widespread. Other charities attending the event included Diabetes UK and C.diff Support.
MRSA Action UK attended the Gov Today Conference: Healthcare Associated Infections, evaluating progress: analysing the threats
14th March 2012
Minister of State for Health Simon Burns commended NHS staff across the country for their efforts in reducing infections. He said that national statistics can hide local problems and he was setting new ambitions to reduce infections even further, "I want to see a further 29% reduction in MRSA bacteraemias and an 18% reduction in C.difficile infections, which will be no more than 900 MRSA infections and 3,500 C.difficile infections by April 2013. There would be no free rides on the tail coats of the trail blazers, but individual responsibilities for all." The Minister also gave a commitment to surveillance of other pathogens and wished to see a zero tolerance to all avoidable infections. More...
Sunday 26th February 2012
Julia and Steve Owen ran in the Bath Half Marathon again, and completed their fourteenth run for MRSA Action UK. They continue to astound everyone with their energy and determination to help raise awareness of MRSA. To date their races have covered 130 miles each, and that doesn't include the training. Wolverhampton is about 130 miles from London as a comparison!
Jules and Steve took the opportunity to explore the beautiful City of Bath, including the Roman Baths and a boat trip along the Avon. The weather was beautiful, clear and cool and they tell us they both ran a very successful race! Jules says "12,000 competed and there must have been the same number again cheering us on! The sun shone which caused a few heat related problems for some. We both felt great during the race and I'm delighted to say we both achieved great times, Steve 2.06 and I managed a new personal best of 1.57, I'm so chuffed!"
"As usual, we had lots of people asking us about the charity and it means so much to be able to make people aware of what you do and why, even if its only one more person that clicks on to the website, it's worth it."
"I'm now on a countdown to the Brighton Marathon, eek! It'll be weird not running it with Steve but at least I know I'll have someone one cheering for me on the sidelines!"
More about their achievements to date...
MRSA ACTION UK ATTENDED THE NICE TOPIC SELECTION WORKSHOP ON HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS
Friday 10th February 2012
NICE Office, Manchester
With Catherine Swann, Associate Director, Centre for Public Health Excellence NICE and Bharat Patel, Consultant Medical Microbiologist / Health Protection Agency Microbiology Services HCAI Lead for London, more....
Monday 30th January 2012
Isle of Man
16th Infection Prevention & Control Conference
This educational event for healthcare staff on the Island was well attended by a mix of professionals including nurses, care home staff, podiatrists, pharmacists, those working in public health, occupational health and others. Derek Butler presented "Healthcare Infections, The Challenge Ahead" telling patient stories, and the impact of both good and poor practice, more....
MRSA Action UK
on 29th January 2012
On the 29th January 2012 Jason Kallis competed in the "Tough Guy" charity run/assault course to raise money for two charities, including MRSA Action UK. If you would like to sponsor Jason please click on the following link and then scroll down and click on the "Donate" button: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/Jason-and-Chris
The Tough Guy Event is an 8 mile assault course that includes obstacles designed to test your nerve and endurance. It's no walk in the park - apart from being soaked in a river and several ponds during the extreme cold Jason must get over or run through 40 foot 'A' frames, electrified barriers, fields of fire, and long sewer pipes. For more details and videos of past Tough Guy events visit http://www.toughguy.co.uk/
The two charities we are supporting are:
MRSA Action UK and The Mercy Ships organisation (see http://www.mercyships.org.uk - a charity that supports people with no access to medical care in the third world.
Funds raised will split equally between the charities, and the money raised for Mercy Ships will be distributed by Jason's local church, as they are affiliated with the charity
Jules & Steve clock up race number 12
Jules and Steve ran the Canterbury 10 miler on Sunday January 29th, Jules completed in 1:33:06 and Steve crossed the line with her in 1:33:14. Their next event will be in London Docklands at the end of the month, starting at 9.30am on the 26th February.
MRSA Action UK has been certified as a provider of safe, reliable, high quality health and social care information
19th January 2012 
MRSA Action UK has been certified as a provider of high quality health and social care information by The Information Standard scheme. MRSA Action UK met the scheme criteria of producing safe and reliable health and social care information. The organisation has consequently been awarded The Information Standard quality mark, which it can display on its literature and website illustrating to the public that its information can be trusted. More....
November 28th
Hosted by David Burrowes MP
This event was a platform for patient organisations and charities to discuss common areas of interest with public policy makers.
For us, the focus was on:
- good quality information for the public on how to recognise healthcare associated infections
- how to help patients understand the risks of acquisition and how to mitigate them
- improved screening and diagnostics
- the development of antibiotics, and the challenges faced
- well resourced and trained healthcare staff
- better regulation
"Patient Involvement and Empowerment in Healthcare"
Seminar chaired by Baroness Cumberlege
The House of Lords, November 24th 2011
The Government proposes a shift in power that puts patients and their carers in charge of making decisions about their health and wellbeing, giving them more information, choice and control over how their care is delivered and strengthens the voice of the public in health and social care. The seminar considered the various opportunities for individuals and third-sector organisations to become more involved and empowered in health and social care.
This was an opportunity to review policies and the principles of shared decision-making, and consider various opportunities to engage in NICE processes and initiatives to encourage greater public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. The meeting enabled a range of third sector organisations to share their activities and successes in achieving greater engagement and empowerment
Patient Safety 2011
Better Care, Better Treatment
Thursday 10th November 2011, Church House Conference Centre, London
Patient Safety 2011 provided an opportunity for healthcare workers, policy makers and, importantly, patients to bring the challenge of making patient safety the top priority for everyone.More about the day and challenges that MRSA Action UK Chair, Derek Butler brought to the table ...
MRSA Action UK attended the launch of
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's Hand Hygiene Week
October 17th 2011 more...
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Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM): The Royal Society of Medicine, London Chaired by Lord Toby Harris |
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
12th October, 2011
Derek Butler, gave the patient and carer perspective at the Trust's Infection Prevention and Control Study Day with 100 delegates from across the Trust.
The event was well attended and other guest speakers included Julie Storr, Vice President of the Infection Prevention Society
Following his successful run in May, Daniel Lloyd ran the Mersey Tunnel 10k on June 12th in memory of his nan Patricia. Daniel says "thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, I completed the Liverpool Half Marathon in 2 hours!"
Daniel trained hard for the Liverpool Marathon (24.2miles) on Sunday 9th October 2011. During his training Danny was injured and was unable to run in the race, thank you Danny for your magnificant effort, we know how hard you trained and your nan would be so very proud of you, as we all are. We hope you will be better soon. Thank you to everyone for your donations, support and messages of encouragement. It means a lot to Danny and to his friends and family.
To support Daniel visit
http://www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Alexander-Lloyd
Reading Campus, Thursday 6th October
Derek Butler and Maria Cann, MRSA Action UK, presented to student nurses at the University of West London on their Infection Control Study Day. "Healthcare Infections the Challenge Ahead" was an opportunity to share and learn from the patient experience.
Infection Prevention 2011
19-21 September 2011
Bournemouth International Centre
MRSA Action UK attended the Infection Prevention Society Conference in Bournemouth, courtesy of Molnlycke Healthcare, it was an opportunity to meet colleagues from across healthcare, bringing the patient perspective into the conference. Communicating with patients and carers if they have to deal with a healthcare associated infection, was one of many themes discussed with the many colleagues that we met. More...
British Science Festival, University of Bradford
15th September 2011
As part of the British Science Festival in September the Bradford Infection Group hosted events on healthcare associated infection issues. involve a MRSA Action UK attended an interactive talk and debate:
"HOSPITALS: WHY ARE THEY A COMMON SOURCE OF DEATH AND DISEASE?"
followed by an interactive lab exhibition. The event was sponsored by SURF and was well attended by students, the public and colleagues working in microbiology. More....
Walk in Macclesfield Forest in memory of Paul Kelly
Angie Kelly complete's her walk in Macclesfield Forest with friends and family in memory of her brother Paul, more.........
To support Angie visit her Just Giving page:
http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-David-Kelly
In memory of Paul
Hyndburn Homes, Accrington, Lancashire
3rd August, 2011
MRSA Action UK visited Hyndburn Homes offices in Lancashire and provided an overview of best practice in Infection Prevention and Control, giving a service user perspective with 16 Sheltered Housing Scheme Managers.
Scheme Managers play an important role in helping to ensure residents' health well being and coordinating support services for more vulnerable residents, liaising with family, carers and support services in health and social care. MRSA Action UK highlighted the key challenges in infection prevention and control and the importance of linking with the District Nursing teams, PCT and Hospital Trusts. The team welcomed the information and case studies and were encouraged to call on the charity and colleagues in healthcare if further support was needed. Being able to discuss healthcare associated infections and the precautions that can be taken to reduce the risks of transmission was a key feature in the session, as was the importance of sharing information between carers in the treatment of MRSA and C.diff.
18th July 2011
Former Health Minister Edwina Currie, and patron of MRSA Action UK met staff at Springfields Nuclear Fuels on the 18th July 2011. It was an opportunity to recognise Westinghouse's commitment to Derek Butler in giving him time to fulfil his voluntary role as Chairman of MRSA Action UK. More.....
about home IV antibiotic therapy
On Wednesday 13th July Derek Butler and Maria Cann visited Blackpool Victoria Hospital to hear about home antibiotic therapy delivered intravenously. Dr Achyut Guleri invited us to hear about the work in the region on continuing treatment at home where patients were well enough to leave hospital, when the only thing stopping them was the need to continue IV antibiotic therapy. More.....
Families laid tributes at the Innocent Victims stone where a service and blessing took place. As always it was a very moving occasion and an opportunity for everyone to share a special time to remember those they love. More.....
Anglia Ruskin University Infection Prevention Seminars - The Patient Perspective, Derek Butler MRSA Action UK, June 2011
Derek Butler is pictured at the Chelmsford campus for one of three infection prevention seminars at Anglia Ruskin University. On the 24th June we visited Fulbourn, and the 27th June Peterborough, the seminar in Chelmsford on the 29th June was also an opportunity to link with Melanie Bird (centre). Following the sessions telling the patient and relative perspective on the aftermath of acquiring a healthcare associated infection, we were invited to give our views and input in relation to the new curriculum and the Essential Cluster Skills in relation to infection control that are being developed. There will also be future seminars and we are looking forward to playing an active role in their development.
Edwina Currie was guest speaker on the panel at Maintaining Patient Safety: Breaking the Cycle of Infection, more....
MRSA Action UK and Staphon join in The Big Lunch at Grange Park Community Garden, Blackpool on Sunday June 5th 2011, and
The Cherwell Centre on 8th June 2011
Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom
The 2011 International Nursing Research Conference
16 May 2011, Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate
The National Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) Research Network's Service User Research Forum (SURF) was created to facilitate and promote public involvement in HCAI research. This field of enquiry is traditionally the preserve of microbiologists but increasingly focuses on issues related to nursing interventions and healthcare worker behaviour. Our experience is that lay involvement in this field is a challenge as many professionals perceive it to be both contentious and beyond the understanding of the lay public. SURF exists to overcome this perception and promote collaborative research with the public, academics and practitioners working in partnership.
Our session aimed to assist nurse researchers wanting to increase public involvement in their research. Our presentation related the experience of developing a lay identified research priority "Patient's experiences of MRSA screening" into a collaborative bid for NIHR Research for Patient Benefit funding. The session was jointly presented by SURF member and MRSA Action UK representative Maria Cann and the SURF coordinator Andrea Whitfield. Practical examples of working with group members throughout the bid process were discussed, including: developing and agreeing a feasible research question; choosing an appropriate funding stream; identifying and working with an NHS partner; identifying suitable research roles for the lay members of the research team and providing the necessary research training and support. More...
Taming the Environment:
Novel Approaches to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections
Wednesday 11th May 2011
Summary of symposium
World Health Organisation Annual Hand Hygiene Day
Patient and healthcare workers form an alliance for hand hygiene at the Royal College of Nursing, London
On the 5th May MRSA Action UK met with colleagues from across healthcare at the Royal College of Nursing where we formed a patient and healthcare worker alliance focussing on hand hygiene and the next steps to keep the focus and build on the success of the cleanyourhands campaign. Work will take place in two strands, the main theme being in health and social care. A sub-group will look at the wider community and hand hygiene, Derek Butler will be working with Karen Shaw and Barry Cookson on the wider community, including education and schools. Maria Cann will be focussing on the health and social care main group. More...
Unison Annual Health Conference, 4th - 6th April 2011
The BT Convention Centre, Liverpool
MRSA Action UK attended Unison's Annual Health Conference at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool, more....
