Menu
08/03/2007
Survey shows 5% develop 'healthcare' infections
New figures released today show that around one in 20 patients surveyed in 15 hospitals in Northern Ireland had a Healthcare-Associated Infection (HCAI).
The figures, which were released by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), revealed that the most common infections were surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonias and gastro-intestinal infections.
The findings suggests patients in Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast are most likely to develop an infection, while those in The Mater in Belfast had the lowest with only 0.6% of patients acquiring an infection during their stay.
A spokesperson for the DHSSPS said: “Hospitals from across the UK and Republic of Ireland took part in this survey which involved thousands of patients.
“The extent of the survey shows how seriously hospitals view the issue of Healthcare-associated Infection and the value of taking a collaborative approach across the UK and Ireland in order to beat HCAI.
“A web-based system has been developed for participating hospitals which will help them to plan their infection control strategies and focus on areas of local concern. Northern Ireland has one of the lowest rates of infection but we cannot afford to be complacent.
“It is everyone's responsibility to improve hygiene standards throughout the health service including hospital staff, patients and the general public.”
(JM/SP)
The figures, which were released by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), revealed that the most common infections were surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonias and gastro-intestinal infections.
The findings suggests patients in Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast are most likely to develop an infection, while those in The Mater in Belfast had the lowest with only 0.6% of patients acquiring an infection during their stay.
A spokesperson for the DHSSPS said: “Hospitals from across the UK and Republic of Ireland took part in this survey which involved thousands of patients.
“The extent of the survey shows how seriously hospitals view the issue of Healthcare-associated Infection and the value of taking a collaborative approach across the UK and Ireland in order to beat HCAI.
“A web-based system has been developed for participating hospitals which will help them to plan their infection control strategies and focus on areas of local concern. Northern Ireland has one of the lowest rates of infection but we cannot afford to be complacent.
“It is everyone's responsibility to improve hygiene standards throughout the health service including hospital staff, patients and the general public.”
(JM/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 August 2008
Super Bug 'Killing Patients'
A new generation of an occasionally deadly infection has been discovered - in the very places that people are at their most vulnerable - in hospitals. This more virulent strain of C-Difficile - known as '027' - has now been found in patients in some of Belfast's hospitals.
Super Bug 'Killing Patients'
A new generation of an occasionally deadly infection has been discovered - in the very places that people are at their most vulnerable - in hospitals. This more virulent strain of C-Difficile - known as '027' - has now been found in patients in some of Belfast's hospitals.
25 July 2007
Belfast hospital closes unit due to infection
Belfast City Hospital officials have said that the closure of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is the result of two patients contracting a multi-resistant bacterial infection. A statement from the City Hospital last night said the unit should re-open under the guidance of the hospital’s Infection Control Team within the next 36 hours.
Belfast hospital closes unit due to infection
Belfast City Hospital officials have said that the closure of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is the result of two patients contracting a multi-resistant bacterial infection. A statement from the City Hospital last night said the unit should re-open under the guidance of the hospital’s Infection Control Team within the next 36 hours.
09 January 2023
Covid-19 Infections Spike Recorded Over Holidays
As of January 5, 2023, there were 374 in-patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Northern Ireland's hospitals, compared to 226 on December 5, 2022. Releasing the latest Covid-19 figures, the Department of Health has said that the pandemic "continues to cast a long shadow over our health service and wider society".
Covid-19 Infections Spike Recorded Over Holidays
As of January 5, 2023, there were 374 in-patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Northern Ireland's hospitals, compared to 226 on December 5, 2022. Releasing the latest Covid-19 figures, the Department of Health has said that the pandemic "continues to cast a long shadow over our health service and wider society".
25 January 2012
Hospitals To Screen For Killer Infection
Neo-natal units that received babies from two hospitals since December are set to screen for the infection that has recently killed four infants. The outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa has been linked to the deaths of the four babies.
Hospitals To Screen For Killer Infection
Neo-natal units that received babies from two hospitals since December are set to screen for the infection that has recently killed four infants. The outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa has been linked to the deaths of the four babies.
05 October 2004
MRSA superbug on the increase in the province
Incidents involving the MRSA superbug are on the increase in Northern Ireland, according to the findings of two reports published into the rates of infection in the province’s hospitals.
MRSA superbug on the increase in the province
Incidents involving the MRSA superbug are on the increase in Northern Ireland, according to the findings of two reports published into the rates of infection in the province’s hospitals.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
