MRSA 'cut by stopping injections'

The government has set a target to halve MRSA rates

A hospital trust has claimed to have eliminated MRSA bloodstream infections by stopping the routine practice of administering intravenous injections.

Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust began controlling which staff could give injections in November.

Under the scheme a cannula, a small tube for giving intravenous fluids, can only be given if prescribed by specialists trained in their insertion.

The trust said there have been no new cases of MRSA infections.

Doctors are able to monitor the tubes more closely for signs of infection.

The figure covers all forms of MRSA, including bloodstream infections (also known as bacteraemia) and wound infections.

This compares to 2007/08 when there was 11 reported bloodstream infections. The maximum level set as acceptable by the government is 12.

'Big improvement'

The trust, which runs the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and the Andover War Memorial Hospital, believes that if the same practice was adopted nationwide MRSA levels would drop dramatically.

Previously, patients who were likely to need intravenous fluids or drugs in this way were given a cannula as a routine part of their medical care.

But now the technique can only be given if it is prescribed by specialists and if the request is signed off by a doctor.

Once inserted, the cannula tube is flushed with a saline solution and inspected on a daily basis.

A scorecard is then used to regularly rate its appearance and spot any irregularities or signs of infection.

Dr Chris Gordon, consultant physician and divisional director for medicine at the Trust, said: "It is well known that cannulae can cause bloodstream infections, such as MRSA, which is why we were so keen to make these changes."

Derek Butler, chair of MRSA Action UK, said: "It is an excellent step forward, a big improvement. I applaud what they are doing and I would like to see it rolled out nationally.

"It will help fight MRSA levels as another piece of best practice."

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