Wednesday 30 May 2012 @ 09:39
Welsh Government
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Major fall in cases of C.difficile in Wales

Efforts across Wales in 2011-12 to tackle C.difficile infections resulted in an overall reduction of more than 32 per cent. This means that 622 fewer patients were affected and about 37 lives saved. This significant achievement builds on the 2010-11 success of 789 fewer cases and about 50 lives saved.

The zero tolerance of preventable HCAIs is part of the Programme for Government commitment to deliver better health for all.

There are a number of factors which can increase the risk of HCAIs but robust, sustainable infection prevention and control minimises the risk.  Healthcare organisations need to ensure staff have the skills, knowledge and resources to provide care in a safe environment for patients.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said:

“The Welsh Government is committed to zero tolerance of preventable HCAIs because it is unacceptable that the healthcare system could cause harm to any patients.  Healthcare organisations are expected to deliver both effective and safe care.

“Prevention is key to tackling HCAIs and simple steps such as proper hand washing, by staff and visitors, make all the difference.

“I was particularly pleased to see the World Health Organization commended Wales for the most new registrations in this year’s international Clean your hands campaign.  This signals how serious we are about tackling HCAIs.”

“There is still a way to go before we can confidently say there are no avoidable HCAIs in Wales, but patients and the public can be assured we are committed to getting there.”

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