The Fifth Northern Ireland Report of Surveillance of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) related to Procedures Performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons in Northern Ireland was produced by the Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Centre (HISC).
The data presented in the report is a summary of information reported by hospitals participating in orthopaedic SSI surveillance during the calendar years 2003-2007.
Commenting on the findings, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “This report clearly demonstrates the progress we are making in the control of surgical infections in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
“Rates of these infections have fallen by 45% since 2004 and are now at their lowest ever levels. This data show the efforts made on behalf of individual surgeons and Trusts to ensure the safest possible care for patients.”
The key findings of the report were:
- Orthopaedic surgical site infection (SSI) rate has decreased for the third year in a row.
- Orthopaedic SSI rate reported in the period January 2007 to December 2007 was the lowest yet reported in any year of this surveillance programme.
- The rates for the last year are lower than the previous year for all of the four mandatory orthopaedic categories, indicating a downward trend in SSI in Northern Ireland.
- There was a 22% decrease in the SSI rate compared to the 2006 rate.
- There was a 45% decrease in the SSI rate over the period 2004 to 2007.
- There was a 23% reduction in the superficial incisional SSI rate between 2006 and 2007 (68% reduction 2004 – 2007).
- Post discharge infections accounted for one third of SSIs in 2007.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael McBride said: “Surveillance is critical to reducing the number healthcare associated infections. Identifying and monitoring these infections and feeding back this information to staff and across organisations is essential to inform preventive action.
“The mandatory programme of surveillance for SSIs post orthopaedic surgery has been very successful and we will be working to extend this methodology to other areas of surgical practice.”
Notes to Editors:
1. In 2001, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland established the Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Centre (HISC). The initial remit was the surveillance of elective orthopaedic surgery procedures in Northern Ireland.
2. The report contains data collected on the four mandatory orthopaedic procedures, i.e. arthroplasty of the hip, hemiarthroplasty of the hip, open reduction of the trochanteric region of the femur with internal fixation and arthroplasty of the knee. In addition, data voluntarily submitted on all other procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons is included.
3. The hospitals contributing data to the Fifth Northern Ireland Report of Surveillance of Surgical Site Infection related to Procedures Performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons in Northern Ireland were Musgrave Park Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Ulster Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital.
4. Primary data collection related to the first 30 days post-surgery and if an implantable device was in place for at least one year post surgery.
5. The data provides important information to underpin infection prevention and control action plans at local and national levels by:
- Providing risk adjusted measures of performance over time and highlighting potential areas of concern whilst stressing areas of good practice
- Improving understanding in relation to practice. The ability to compare results with a broad range of service providers both within the UK, Europe and USA will be particularly important in this regard
- Assist in monitoring the impact of any interventions introduced in orthopaedic practice.
6. A summary of the findings is available to download from: www.hisc.n-i.nhs.uK
7. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074 or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
