OVERVIEW

The focus of work in infection prevention and control has traditionally been on acute hospitals, but many infectious diseases can spread in other care settings within the wider community.

The latest in Public Service Events' series of Infection Control conferences, this event will broaden the perspective to look at the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAI), not just in hospitals, but across care homes, ambulances, and primary medical care.

Significant reductions in rates of MRSA and Clostridium difficile have been achieved over recent years, but they do not necessarily tell the whole story, as they constitute less than 15% of all HCAI in hospitals. According to Health Protection Agency figures, the number of tuberculosis cases rose by more than 5% last year. Other major infections must also be considered – ESBLs, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, Legionella, and MSSA are all causes for concern, not to mention the norovirus bug, which was a major issue last winter. The spread of pathogens such as norovirus have led to an increasing interest in air disinfection technology.

There is considerable concern about the new "superbug" NDM-1, which is resistant to the carbapenem group of antibiotics. With at least one of the NDM-1 infections analysed by researchers being resistant to all known antibiotics, this could have serious implications for infection prevention and control. At this conference, delegates will be able to hear the latest on this from Dr Neil Woodford of the Health Protection Agency.

Government plans to provide more care outside of the hospital setting mean it is essential to look towards care homes and surgeries. There is a continued need for training of staff at all levels, and across the health and social care sector, if the issue of cross-infection is to be addressed.

In addition to learning about the government's latest HCAI strategies, at Infection Control: working together to fight infection, delegates will get the opportunity to hear about the need for the application of standards in infection control across all care settings, and the continued need for innovative technology in fighting infection. The Department of Health's continuing HCAI Technology Innovation Programme, as well as the Technology Strategy Board's Fighting Infection through Detection Funding scheme, are emphasising the push for new technology in this area.

The afternoon session will feature several key case studies from across the health and social care sector, providing delegates with practical advice on processes, techniques and technologies that have been effective.

Communication between care settings, as well as ongoing training and uptake of new technologies, is essential. The attitude must be enforced that 'one infection is too many'.