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NHS continues to win battle against MRSA infection

The latest figures from the HPA show there were 676 MRSA cases reported in England during the October to December quarter of 2008. This represents a 7% decrease on the previous quarter when 725 reports were received and a 38% reduction in the corresponding quarter of 2007 when 1,092 reports were received.

A spokesperson for the HPA aid: 'This continued reduction in cases of MRSA is testament to the huge efforts being made across the NHS to tackle the problem of healthcare associated infections, which remain a big challenge throughout the world.'

The Healthcare Commission also praised the continuing fall in cases, which has now registered a decrease for a fourth consecutive quarter.

Marcia Fry, head of operational development at the commission, said: 'The NHS is turning a corner in terms of MRSA. This is great news for patients and we praise the dedication of NHS staff who worked hard to achieve this.

'This goes hand-in-hand with the overall improvement in acute NHS trusts' practices for preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections that we have seen in the last year,' she added.

The Care Quality Commission will take over from the Healthcare Commission on 1 April with tough new powers to pursue poor performers on infection control.

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