NHS website shows infections down

Infection rates for each trust are available

Rates of MRSA in Welsh hospitals have fallen slightly in the past year, according to a new official website.

The website, which went live on Friday, allows people to see the how their local hospitals are coping with fighting bloodstream infections.

The figures reveal that the E.coli infection is the most common.

Health officials have warned against simple comparisons, saying hospitals which carry out certain treatments run a higher risk of carrying infections.

The website, run by the Welsh Healthcare Associated Infection Programme (WHAIP), gives information covering all Welsh NHS trusts.

The information is given against a standard rate of 100,000 "bed days".

The number of E.coli infections, which includes all types, and not just the potentially deadly 0157 strain, is the highest at 34.

MRSA is the fourth most common infection, with an all-Wales rate of 10 per 100,000.

This will also enable people to understand the broader context of healthcare-associated infection in Wales Dr Eleri Davies

However, variations in levels can be explained by the procedures carried out by hospitals, according to the trusts.

For example, Velindre NHS Trust in Cardiff, which treats patients with cancer, has an MRSA rate of 30 per 100,000.

However, the treatments needed for cancer patients carry a higher risk of infection.

The National Public Health Service for Wales said blood infections like MRSA were uncommon and the top four were mainly associated with the community rather than hospital-based.

It believes tracking how the infections are managed by the trusts can show the effectiveness of measures to fight them.

The most common infections are related to urinary tract infections arising in the community.

Dr Eleri Davies, acting director of WHAIP, said: "It is hoped that the publication of this information will not only provide the public with information about specific infections in trusts, but will also enable people to understand the broader context of healthcare associated infection in Wales."

In January, plans were approved to appoint "tsars" to take charge of keeping Welsh hospitals clean.

Hospitals will be legally required to appoint a staff member to oversee cleanliness and infection control.