Press release

Deaths from HCAIs drop by more than a third

Deaths related to healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) have dropped by more than a third in a year.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care and The Rt Hon Anne Milton
• Published: 24 August 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Deaths related to healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) have dropped by more than a third in a year. The number of deaths related to MRSA was 40 per cent lower during 2010 than during 2009, and there were 31 per cent fewer deaths involving C.difficile.

Health Minister Anne Milton said:

“It is welcome news that fewer people are dying from MRSA and C.difficile and that there have been major reductions in 2010 compared to the previous year. This reflects the overall progress we have seen over the past year in reducing these infections.

“However, we have been absolutely clear that the NHS should take a zero tolerance approach to all avoidable healthcare associated infections and there should be further improvements.

“The public expects to be treated in a clean and safe environment and this is what the NHS must provide.”

Published 24 August 2011