Two reports, 'Winning ways' and 'Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection', both highlighted major flaws in current procedures and policies, and detailed a new plan of action for all relevant stakeholders.
The Health Protection Agency has been tasked with managing the surveillance of all progress on MRSA reported incidents.
Their most recent findings (April-September 2005) identified that 50% of trusts are on target and 50% of trusts are behind target to make a 50% reduction in MRSA by 2008.
Health Minister Jane Kennedy: "I am disappointed that, despite trusts making significant reductions in infections, the overall figures do not reflect these improvements."
The DH will now be offering targeted support for trusts facing the biggest challenges. Targeted support has two main elements:
- HCAI MRSA Improvement Programme
- Performance Improvement Network
The conference will seek to define the strategy that underpins these elements and highlight Best Practice already occurring across the sector.
Focus will also be on the support available through the DH specialist teams in 2006 and beyond.