MRSA Notes

Members of newly formed MRSA Action UK have a busy day on 28 November 2005.

At 11.30 am. five members of the group will present a petition to 10 Downing Street on behalf of thousands of people affected by the super bug MRSA and the relatives of those that have died from the infection. The petition calls upon Government to fully recognize the devastating impact that MRSA has upon those who contract the infection. More specifically Government is requested to provide investment for better and safer nursing care for patients; ensure greater openness of information for patients and carers; institute mandatory infection control measures and extend current mandatory reporting schemes for all Healthcare Associated Infections

At 1pm following the presentation of the petition and any media interviews members of the group and their supporters will proceed to Westminster Abbey where they have be granted permission to lay a wreath to commemorate the victims of MRSA. This tribute will be laid at the Innocent Victims Memorial, West Door of Westminster Abbey by Tom Snowball and prayers of remembrance will be led by the Sub Dean & Rector of St. Margaret’s, Canon Robert Wright.

At 3.45pm four members of MRSA Action UK will attend the All Party Health Select Committee at the House of Commons. The group will expand on their response to the Department of Health consultation document “Action on healthcare Associated Infection in England.” Their response has been welcomed during presentations to the Healthcare Commission and various Acute and Primary Care Trusts. The central theme of the response is to promote improvements in hospital cleanliness and hygiene standards by the application of robust and transparent monitoring systems.

MRSA Action UK has been formed by survivors of Healthcare Associated Infection and the carers of those who have sadly died from such infections. The group seeks to help sustain those who contract MRSA and provide a voice which will be heard by Government. The petition is a stepping stone in a campaign designed to reduce, if not eliminate Healthcare Associated Infection. MRSA Action UK seeks to work with the Department of Health, healthcare professionals and suppliers to achieve the goal of clean safe healthcare establishments. This can be done by improving hygiene standards, introducing effective performance monitoring and improving cleanliness standards. We will also work with the Healthcare Commission in the compilation of the National Report on MRSA and try to give a picture of the true scale of the problem.