Brussels, 17 March 2009 - At a round table on patient safety and healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) organised by Health First Europe (HFE) and co-hosted by MEPs Liz Lynne and Amalia Sartori; figures presented show the very significant burden of HCAIs on Europe's healthcare systems which are in crisis, requiring urgent and concrete EU action.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), HCAIs are directly responsible for approximately 37,000 deaths annually and contribute to a further 110,000 across the EU. The burden on healthcare systems is immense, resulting in an additional 16 million days of hospital stays per year. Assuming the average daily cost of a hospital stay is €334, the total annual healthcare cost for the EU-27 can be estimated at €5.5 billion. This figure does not however include the indirect costs linked to loss of income, or the intangible costs associated with physical and emotional suffering.
Ms Liz Lynne MEP, who is pushing for more action to combat HCAIs such as MRSA said: "I have called for exchange of best practice among EU Member States, and for a 40% reduction in Healthcare Associated Infections by 2015 to be adopted by the Council of Ministers."
Referring to the ongoing and controversial draft Directive on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare, Ms Lynne added: "Patients should have access to information on safety standards in whichever Member State they wish to have treatment."
Evidence that HCAIs cause serious problems for the sustainability of healthcare systems in EU Member States is mounting. Amalia Sartori, Rapporteur of the proposal for a Council recommendation on patient safety, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections, said: "Infection control methods are well practiced and quick to implement. However, every year 8 to 12% of patients suffer adverse effects resulting from hospital treatment. It is essential that Member States provide the means necessary to reduce the numbers affected." Ms Sartori also proposed that the European Union play a leading role in identifying a clear-cut target and to facilitate the exchange of data and best practice.
Describing what practical measures can be taken to reduce HCAIs, Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre NHS Foundation Trust cited the example of Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Dr Achyut Guleri. "Dr. Guleri and his team reduced MRSA bacteraemia by 80% over a 12 month period when they implemented innovative medical technology that provides pre-admission MRSA screening test results in several hours rather than days, as was the case with the previous method. By using this rapid PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) MRSA test we are effectively saving lives. We are very proud to have recently received a HCAI Technology Innovation Award from the NHS in recognition of our achievements in implementing this technology," Mr Hartley said.
Meanwhile, Mary Banotti, Honorary President of HFE said: "the quality and transparency of standards and guidelines must be enhanced". She also encouraged the introduction of a Code of Practice across Member States to prevent and control HCAIs.
Mary Banotti, HFE Honorary President and MEP Liz Lynne MEP Amalia Sartori
