18 June 2009
Nigel Ellis, Head of National Inspection and Assessment at the Care Quality Commission, said: “Our inspections show that the NHS is getting better at controlling and managing infections.
“Rates of MRSA and Clostridium difficile have been coming down steadily and this year the drop is significant – that should provide reassurance to patients concerned about catching an infection in hospital.
“It’s definitely not a sign that the NHS can take its eye off the ball. Some parts of the NHS aren’t improving fast enough and we can do more to learn from the best trusts.
“Everyone involved must continue to drive down the rates of healthcare-associated infections – and that includes all infections, not just MRSA and C. difficile.
“We will keep up the pressure and encourage the NHS to stay focussed on improvements. That will include taking swift enforcement action if we find unacceptable performance.”
Ends
For further information please contact Megan Tudehope in the CQC press office on 0207 448 9018 or on 07917 232 143 after hours.
Notes to editors
About the CQC: Snippet for press releases
About the Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
We make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and we encourage care services to improve.
We monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety and we publish what we find to help people choose care.