Since 2004 much work has been done in the UK to combat the occurrence of healthcare associated infections, and the Department of Health set a target to halve MRSA cases by 2008. This goal was not only achieved, but surpassed, thanks to the introduction of such schemes as the Clean Hands campaign and the creation of the new DIPC role. The HPA's most recent quarterly reports show a 57 per cent reduction in MRSA infections since 2004 and a 38 per cent drop in C. diff in just twelve months.

In Europe, however, performance in the area of infection control far exceeds our standards. The Netherlands in particular have been widely reported to outperform the UK by fifty-fold in the control of HCAIs.

Infection Control ‘09 aims to bring together leading experts from Holland and those charged with the challenges of HCAIs in the UK in a view to identifying key policy and practice in Europe that could be applied here.

In the morning, Professors Jan Kluytmans and Andreas Voss will deliver a joint presentation based on their paper ‘Models for Hospital Infection Control – A view from the Netherlands’ and how they feel these models can be implemented in the UK. Kluytmans and Voss will share the platform with Professor Brian Duerden, the DH’s Inspector of Microbiology and Infection Control.

For the afternoon Professor Hugh Pennington will share his vast experience as the UK's leading figure in infection control and give his personal view on how progress can be made. The day will then conclude with a panel debate, where a range of experts, both from the UK and the continent, will discuss the obstacles faced in implementing European models in our hospitals.

Infection Control '09 promises to be an informative and constructive event for anyone charged with the challenges of infection prevention and control.

Please click here to register your interest as places are fast being filled.