Conference tackles MRSA superbug

MRSA is an infection resistant to antibiotics

Dozens of health professionals are discussing the impact of the killer superbug MRSA on the NHS at a special conference on Teesside.

More than 60 doctors, nurses and infection control experts are attending the event, organised by the Health protection Agency in the North East.

The number of antibiotic-resistant MRSA infections in England has fallen.

But the event on Wednesday will hear MRSA remains a major problem on wards claiming the lives of 5,000 a year.

The conference, called 'Moving forwards and picking up the pace' is being held at the Wolfson Research Institute at the University of Durham campus in Stockton.

Speakers are from as far afield as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Middlesex as well as local experts from hospitals in Teesside and Tyneside.

Presentations will include how to improve data collection about MRSA, how to prevent urinary tract infections and how to reduce resistance to antibiotics.

Dr Vivien Hollyoak, director of the Health Protection Agency in the North East said: "Because many more people are now treated at home, healthcare acquired infection is no longer purely a hospital issue.

"Having the right systems in place to monitor the number of infections wherever they occur is essential if we are to control the spread of infection."