Latest full year figures show a dramatic fall in the number of patients in East Sussex acquiring the C-diff (Clostridium difficile) and MRSA infections.
There were 56 cases of C-diff in 2009-10 in the area covered by NHS Hastings and Rother (see notes to news editors) compared to 122 cases the previous year - a 54% drop.
And in the area covered by NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald (see notes to news editors), 177 cases were reported during 2009-10, a 28% decrease on the 2008-09 total of 246.
In both areas, the number of cases in 2009-10 was lower than the national and regional C-diff targets set for the NHS in East Sussex (see notes).
For MRSA, the total for East Sussex fell by 64% (compared to 2008/9) to 8 cases.
The figures are made up of cases reported both in the community (for example, in people’s homes) as well as in hospitals and in other places where health services are delivered (such as GP surgeries)
Dr Diana Grice is the director of public health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother.
She says:
“These latest figures are excellent news for patients and the NHS in East Sussex.
The dramatic decrease is the result of concerted efforts across the local NHS - in primary care (for example, GP surgeries), our community hospitals and acute hospitals such as the Eastbourne DGH, Conquest in Hastings, Royal Sussex in Brighton and Kent and Sussex at Tunbridge Wells - to tackle healthcare-acquired infections.
However we cannot afford to be complacent and infection control remains our top priority.”
Actions to tackle infections include:
• rapid detection and treatment
• hand washing campaigns for staff, patients and visitors
• isolating patients with C-diff or MRSA
