A NEW group that aims to provide information about healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs) was launched yesterday.
Stop Infections Now (Sin) is seeking to inform patients and healthcare workers about these infections through the philosophy "knowledge is power".
Speaking in Dublin, chairwoman Dr Teresa Graham said although there were already patient-advocacy groups, these had not changed the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections.
Sin claims that between 600 and 800 people die annually in the State from the MRSA and Clostridium difficile "superbugs".
"What we are looking for is a revolution, that the people of Ireland take ownership of their own health service," Dr Graham said.
"Our incidence of hospital-acquired infections is one of the worst in Europe.
"There is no point, as the HSE does, comparing us with Britain. They are alongside us."
She said Ireland had to look at the best practice of countries such as the Netherlands, and that legislation was required to ensure hospitals had the highest standards of hygiene. According to Dr Graham, people were losing trust in the healthcare system and were "absolutely terrified" about taking legal cases for medical negligence.
Solicitor Gerald Kean said a detailed 1995 report had made recommendations on tackling hospital-acquired infections. "Let's stop wasting time, let's stop bluffing . . . there's a problem there, and it has to be dealt with," he said.
A leaflet published by Sin lists 15 steps to cut the risk of infection and offers advice on making a complaint and seeking redress. An informational CD has been produced and a website, www.stopinfectionsnow.com, set up.
In response, the HSE said Ireland's HCAI figure of 4.9 per cent compared favourably with other countries. It estimated there were between 250 and 300 deaths from these infections last year.
The HSE pointed out that the "vast majority" of patients who develop MRSA recovered, and that notification of C Diff cases was mandatory since May 4th.
New draft national standards for infection prevention and control published in June by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) recommended a major increase in the number of clinical microbiologists and infection-control nurses. The Hiqa intends to have the standards ready for ministerial approval toward the end of the year.
The HSE said it has already applied the new standards.
