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| MRSA 'cut by stopping injections' | MRSA 'cut by stopping injections' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A hospital trust has claimed to have eliminated MRSA bloodstream infections by stopping the routine practice of administering intravenous injections. | A hospital trust has claimed to have eliminated MRSA bloodstream infections by stopping the routine practice of administering intravenous injections. |
| Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust has instead begun prescribing the insertion of cannulae - a small tube used for giving intravenous fluids. | Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust has instead begun prescribing the insertion of cannulae - a small tube used for giving intravenous fluids. |
| Doctors are able to monitor the tubes more closely for signs of infection. | Doctors are able to monitor the tubes more closely for signs of infection. |
| The trust said since the introduction last November there have been no new cases of MRSA infections. | |
| This figure covers all forms of MRSA, including bloodstream infections (also known as bacteraemia) and wound infections. | |
| This compares to 2007/08 when there was 11 reported bloodstream infections. The maximum level set as acceptable by the government is 12. | |
| 'Big improvement' | 'Big improvement' |
| The trust, which runs the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and the Andover War Memorial Hospital, believes that if the same practice was adopted nationwide MRSA levels would drop dramatically. | The trust, which runs the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and the Andover War Memorial Hospital, believes that if the same practice was adopted nationwide MRSA levels would drop dramatically. |
| Previously, patients who were likely to need intravenous fluids or drugs in this way were given a cannula as a routine part of their medical care. | Previously, patients who were likely to need intravenous fluids or drugs in this way were given a cannula as a routine part of their medical care. |
| But now the technique can only be prescribed by specialists trained in their insertion and they are signed off by a doctor. | But now the technique can only be prescribed by specialists trained in their insertion and they are signed off by a doctor. |
| Once inserted, the cannula tube is flushed with a saline solution and inspected on a daily basis. | Once inserted, the cannula tube is flushed with a saline solution and inspected on a daily basis. |
| A scorecard is then used to regularly rate its appearance and spot any irregularities or signs of infection. | A scorecard is then used to regularly rate its appearance and spot any irregularities or signs of infection. |
| Dr Chris Gordon, consultant physician and divisional director for medicine at the Trust, said: "It is well known that cannulae can cause bloodstream infections, such as MRSA, which is why we were so keen to make these changes." | Dr Chris Gordon, consultant physician and divisional director for medicine at the Trust, said: "It is well known that cannulae can cause bloodstream infections, such as MRSA, which is why we were so keen to make these changes." |
| Derek Butler, chair of MRSA Action UK, said: "It is an excellent step forward, a big improvement. I applaud what they are doing and I would like to see it rolled out nationally. | Derek Butler, chair of MRSA Action UK, said: "It is an excellent step forward, a big improvement. I applaud what they are doing and I would like to see it rolled out nationally. |
| "It will help fight MRSA levels as another piece of best practice." | "It will help fight MRSA levels as another piece of best practice." |