Issue 5: September 2008

National news

Action triggered to address safety concerns at Mid Staffordshire's A&E department
The Healthcare Commission has announced that Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust had responded positively to concerns that the Commission had raised about the safety of patients in its A&E department in May: low staffing levels in relation to medical and nursing staff, poor leadership, the structure and operation of the department, and the governance arrangements to ensure the quality of care and protect the safety of patients.

Hospital patients to be assessed for risk of blood clots
The Chief Medical Officer recently announced the publication of a risk assessment for venous thromboembolism, recommended for all patients admitted to hospital in England. The risk assessment being published today will be provided to hospitals along with guidance to help them identify patients at risk of developing venous thromboembolism

Latest figures show MRSA bloodstream infections falling
The Health Protection Agency’s latest quarterly report (April-June) on MRSA bloodstream infections shows a 14% decrease on the previous quarter, and a 36% decrease on the same quarter, last year.

New guidance issued to improve nutrition and hydration standards in all healthcare settings
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is launching the next four in a series of ten factsheets for all healthcare staff and care caterers to support the 10 key characteristics of good nutritional care.

National Audit finds Stroke care improving
The latest National Sentinel Organisational Audit of Stroke has found a major improvement in the organisation of stroke care over the last two years. The 2008 audit found particular improvements in acute stroke care and the management of transient ischaemic attack (‘mini stroke') and makes several recommendations.


This bulletin is brought to you by the Knowledge and Information Service. It aims to keep you up-to-date with infection control issues. At the beginning of each month, a librarian will update the bulletin with relevant information published in the preceding month. If there are areas you think we also need to cover, please let us know.