This was the clear message from the interim RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) independent review into C difficile which was published today. The report examined the circumstances into the current outbreak of the virulent 027 strain of C difficile in the Northern Trust, as well as looking at measures all five trusts were taking to reduce healthcare-associated infections. A final report is expected by end of July.
Speaking in the Assembly today, the minister said: “Over the last 12 weeks the RQIA team has made substantial progress on their independent review. To date, the team has completed their investigation into four trusts’ actions to reduce C difficile rates. The review team has also gathered substantial evidence from the Northern Trust.
“I am pleased to report that there is evidence of progress in containing the outbreak. In May the lowest number of cases of any month this year was reported and the severity of the illness has eased. It is, though, still too early to say the outbreak is over and we need to see that improvement sustained.
“I met with the review team for an update on progress last week and they reassured me that all five trusts have a programme of action in place and, they all recognize the need to give priority to reducing healthcare associated infections. In addition, the team said all five trusts were working to achieve targets I set for an overall reduction in C difficile of 20% in patients aged 65 and over by March next year.”
The review team also pointed to:
- Skilled and skilled and committed staff working in infection control teams, in laboratories and in pharmacies;
- many examples of creative local initiatives in relation to infection prevention and control, and
- good working relationships between all those involved in infection control measures across the trusts and boards.
He continued: “There are also challenges for the Trusts. In particular, the review team identified shortfalls in staffing levels in key professional groups such as microbiologists, antibiotic pharmacists and infection control nurses. It also commented on the wide variation in the quality and condition of hospital facilities and recommended improvements in the IT systems that support infection prevention and control.
“I will now consider their report in more depth and will determine which recommmendations need to be addressed urgently.”
Turning to the Northern Trust, the minister said that the department had been working closely with the trust and had agreed to bring in more external expertise.
“To that end, we have enlisted the support of the NHS Cleaner Safer Hospital Team. They visited the Northern Trust on 7 May and have set about identifying areas for improvement and recommendations to bring the situation under control.
“When I met the review team on Friday, they commented on the tremendous dedication and efforts of all staff in the Northern Trust in working to contain this outbreak. They acknowledged the immense pressure that staff have been under. I have seen this dedication for myself when I visited the trust and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the staff.”
The minister said that the team has produced an interim report because the review team cannot have full access to the affected wards until the outbreak is over.
He continued: “I have asked the review to produce their final report as soon as possible after the outbreak is over. The review team expects to deliver this by the end of July. I want to acknowledge the work of the review team and the fact that they have delivered such a substantial and important report in such a short space of time.
“During the debate into the C Difficile outbreak in December there were calls for a public inquiry. At that time I said that I had not ruled out a public inquiry but in fact was minded to hold one. However, my first priority was to ensure that the outbreak was contained and that other health trusts were taking every possible step to prevent C difficile outbreaks occurring in their hospitals.
“Indeed, a public inquiry at that time would only have served to deflect staff from their vital work in trying to reduce and control infections. It would have put patients at risk – I cannot and will not do that. Indeed it is also clear that a public inquiry could not have delivered so much in such a compressed period.
“We must, have a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections such as C difficile and MRSA. This means that no case of infection is regarded as acceptable, and that the response to each new case is immediate and urgent. These infections cause pain and distress to patients and this outbreak has led to a loss of public confidence in our health and social care service. It is clear from the RQIA’s interim report that our staff at all levels take this very seriously and are working extremely hard and often under severe pressure to reduce the spread of these infections.”
Notes to Editors:
- RQIA Independent review report can be viewed at the DHSSPS website
. - Minister’s statement to the Assembly can be viewed at the DHSSPS website.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or mobile 07919 400248. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
