“If we are to reduce HCAIs - which we must - we need to change the mindset of the NHS as a whole. Through the 20th Century, we developed a very good system of delivering specialist clinical care, with measures to prevent infection bolted on to that. We must now ensure a safe environment for patient care, and then within that we can deliver the specialist clinical care.” – Professor Brian Duerden, Inspector of Microbiology and Infection Control, Department of Health, speaking at Infection Control 07

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Public Service Events continues its focus on the prevention and control of HCAIs with its third Infection Control conference at the Barbican, London, on the 7th February 2008. The Government has taken big steps forward in improving the monitoring and reporting of HCAIs, establishing clear guidelines for medical professionals through the Code of Practice, and in backing infection control measures with extra funding. However, this progress counts for little without the full engagement of hospital staff and patients in minimising the opportunities for infection to spread at the point of treatment. Recent research is not encouraging in this area: the Chief Medical Officer’s report highlighted that adherence to hand cleaning procedures rarely exceeded 60%, dipping as low as 10% in the worst cases. Moreover, up to 75% of patients felt unable to raise the issue of staff hand hygiene during consultations. Research by the Healthcare Commission demonstrates that 60% of trusts report failure to reach full compliance with hygiene guidelines, and that 14% of trusts admit being unable to protect patients and staff from HCAIs.

Infection Control 08 will examine the policy and delivery strategies for the establishment of a new culture of cleanliness within the NHS, from the boardroom to the wards, featuring a line-up of influential speakers from across the health sector, a series of in-depth masterclass sessions highlighting the latest developments in the private sector and a lively exhibition and networking area.

Reduction of HCAIs is one of the four priority areas set out in the NHS operating framework for 2007/08 - there are currently 300,000 cases of healthcare associated infection in Britain’s hospitals each year. Of those, 5000 patients will die as a direct consequence of these infections, which equates to one death every 2 hours. And this comes at a combined cost to the NHS of £1bn per annum. Everyone involved with healthcare, from patients to politicians, chief executives to clinicians, has a part to play in prevention and control of infection, helping to save money, save clinical resources and above all, save lives. We hope that our conference will contribute to the debate around how best to further the UK’s responses to the HCAI issue – if you would like to attend and make your contribution to the day, book today to secure your place.