Hospitals need to address superbug risk

Marsh has recommended that hospitals improve their risk management to deal with superbugs.

The risk and insurance services provider has issued three key approaches for tackling the threat from MRSA and Clostridium difficile:

• Where circumstances allow, introduce testing among patients for MRSA and Clostridium difficile before their admission to hospital and quarantine on arrival if the results are positive
• Mandate all hospital personnel to wash their hands before handling or examining patients. With largely voluntary measures in place, 88% of staff in London hospitals are not following procedures and washing their hands before and after contact with patients
• Educate members of the public visiting hospitals, ensuring that hand washing stations at hospital and ward entrances are fully utilised.

Rob Wendin, leader of Marsh's healthcare practice in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said: "Measures taken so far have failed to halt the spread of superbugs in Britain's hospitals. Quarantining patients and tightening and improving cleaning procedures, ensuring that the most up-to-date and effective practices and products are in place, are crucial risk mitigation techniques that are only being implemented in some places.

"In addition, certain cleaning products are fuelling the mutation of healthcare-acquired infections, or are inadvertently causing other health problems as a result of their toxicity."

Wendin added: "Healthcare acquired infections are not just a problem for the UK, the problem is escalating globally. However, there is no reason why the UK should not be learning the lessons from countries that are tackling the issue effectively.

"In Europe, the Netherlands is leading the way in controlling superbugs. For example, the country has adopted a zero-tolerance approach and it is now mandatory for healthcare professionals to wash their hands before moving from patient to patient. Britain still has a lot to learn."