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Data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has shown that MRSA cases have fallen by 33% compared with the same period last year.
Figures also showed there were 725 cases in July to September – down 13% on the previous quarter – when there were 837 cases reported.
Professor Mike Catchpole, director of the HPA’s centre for infections, said: “This continued reduction in cases of MRSA is testament to the huge efforts being made across the NHS to tackle the problem of healthcare-associated infections.
“To ensure this downward trend continues, we cannot be complacent. We must all play our part – the public and healthcare workers – by ensuring the infection control measures that have made the current fight against MRSA so successful remain in place.”
Anna Walker, chief executive of the Healthcare Commission, said: “This is big news for patients and a huge credit to all NHS staff.
“The sustained reductions show that the NHS is coming to grips with MRSA – it must not lose the momentum.”
Copyright Press Association 2008
