Derriford Hospital slashes MRSA infection rate

RATES of MRSA infection at Derriford Hospital are almost a third below Trust targets, new figures have revealed.

Over the past 12 months 28 patients developed MRSA blood stream infection compared to 98 five years ago.

The figures were released ahead of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Annual General Meeting and show MRSA infections are 26 per cent below the Trust's target of 39 as set by the Department of Health.

The number of patients suffering from C-Difficile, which causes diarrhoea and can sometimes be fatal, is also below Trust targets.

The report reads: "We already have one of the lowest rates of C-Difficile of any teaching hospital in the country and once again continue to perform better than expected.

"There were 160 patients identified with C-Difficile at Derriford Hospital in the last year, less than the target of 164.

"Our staff see and treat more than ¾ million patients every year. The chances of developing a hospital acquired infection are very small."

Survival rates, waiting times and transplant figures will also be discussed at the AGM, which is taking place on Friday September 25 from 1.30pm.

"Staff working in the South West Transplant Centre are saving more lives and improving the health of many others within the region," the report reads.

"A record number of 75 kidney transplants were carried out at Derriford Hospital in 2008 compared to 57 in 2007. This is the highest number to have been carried out since the first transplant was performed at the hospital in 1973."

There will also be a report on the Trust's financial accounts.

The meeting, being held in the board room at Derriford Health and Leisure Centre, directly behind Derriford Hospital, will be a chance for the public to hear a review of the Trust's work over the 12 months.

Highlights include a new intensive care unit, the opening of a children's theatre suite and the launch of a dedicated area for youngsters at Derriford's Accident and Emergency Department.