Superbugs on the rise at West Middlesex

Health Protection Agency report shows hospital remains amongst worst in London

Local hospitals are still failing to tackle the problem of ‘superbugs’ according to official figures released yesterday. The statistics, released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that two local hospitals – West Middlesex and Kingston Hospitals - were amongst the worst offenders when it came to tackling potentially fatal superbugs, such as Clostridium difficile.

Reported cases of Clostridium difficile at West Middlesex Hospital rose by 6% over the past year but despite the modest increase, the rate of 2.85 per 1000 patient bed days remains amongst the worst in London.

Tony Arbour AM, London Assembly Conservative member for South West London said “The poor performance of the West Middlesex Hospital, alas, mirrors the even poorer performance of Hounslow Primary Care Trust, when it comes to providing adequate healthcare for residents.”

The Health Protection Agency also published MRSA blood poisoning figures which showed that reported cases were down 1.5% across the country.

Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the Agency, said “This is the first time that the Health Protection Agency has published these figures together, and they provide a detailed picture of the challenge posed by healthcare associated infections. This data will play a vital role in helping hospitals measure their performance. Rates are not the same across the country. Some hospitals are doing an outstanding job, others have much to do. ”

Dr Georgia Duckworth, head of the Agency’s HCAI Department, said “The increase in C. difficile and limited decrease in MRSA cases indicate there is much work to be done, but these figures show some encouraging signs.”

July 26, 2006