Too much focus on MRSA has lead to rise in other infections

The focus on cutting rates of superbugs has lead to other potentially dangerous bacteria spreading in medical environments.

The Healthcare Commission warned that the intense pressure placed on healthcare trusts by the government to cut rates of MRSA and C.Difficile has lead to others being ignored.

The targets set by the Department of Health mean healthcare trusts are being pushed away from tackling other infections.

Most healthcare associated infections are not covered by government targets, such as E.Coli, even though E.Coli is one of the most common bloodstream infections with 22,000 cases in 2007.

A bloodstream infection caused by antibiotic-resistant E.Coli bacteria causes death in more than 20% of cases, whereas those caused by MRSA only account for 2%.

The Healthcare Commission has warned healthcare trusts that measures need to put in place to combat all infections, but the Department of Health says they have no plans to combat other infections, as MRSA and C.Difficile have the biggest affect on patients.

Maintaining a clean and safe environment is important in all clinical and medical areas to reduce the spread of bacteria.

Take a look at our other stories about superbugs, including 90% of hospitals fail superbug spot checks, Copper may kill 95% of superbugs and deadly bacteria, Scottish hospitals banned from using external cleaners to combat superbugs, NHS trusts failing to meeting basic standards of infection control, and Overuse and diluting chemicals can lead to the spread of bacteria.

To ensure your clinic is free from bacteria, we recommend taking a look at our hygiene and cleaning products, including our range of disinfectants.

We suggest Hibiscrub, Guest Hand Rub and Hand Wash, Silvatec Soap, Ebiox Trionic products, and Hydrex Derma.

Disposable gloves, face masks and protective clothing can also help to limit the cross contamination of bacteria and germs.