Bernard Durkan
Question:45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which hospitals have begun to cope with hospital bugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37970/16]
View answerThursday, 1 December 2016
Questions (45)
Written answers
Multidrug-resistant infections and resistance to antibiotics are an ongoing and evolving international risk for all healthcare providers. I can assure the Deputy that the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Government.
I am aware of the challenges in relation to tackling multidrug-resistant superbug infection rates in Irish hospitals. I am advised that Irish hospitals, like other hospitals internationally, are taking steps to reduce HCAIs and AMR including the prudent use of antibiotics. A wide range of initiatives has been put in place in the Irish health system over several years to tackle HCAIs and AMR, including improved surveillance of infections and prescribing and infection prevention and control processes. Also included are antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and public and professional awareness-raising with a significant emphasis on the education and training of healthcare professionals. The HIQA National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (2009) are being updated.
In addition, on foot of concerns about outbreaks of Multi-Drug resistant Organisms (MDROs) in recent years a National Taskforce on AMR to address the issues of managing and reducing AMR and HCAI was established by the HSE in 2015. The Taskforce's remit is to direct and coordinate an effective system-wide response to the issue of HCAI/AMR.
The Taskforce is a multi-disciplinary high-level group that supports and advises HSE Divisions on reducing incidences of MDRO through ensuring rational antimicrobial use across all healthcare settings, providing effective diagnostic support for infection, improving professional education, training and public engagement to promote wider understanding of the need for appropriate use of antibiotics, ensuring compliance with the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of HCAI across all healthcare settings and ensuring implementation of national guidelines across all healthcare settings.
Ireland is also developing a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in line with the World Health Organisation’s 2015 Global Action Plan on AMR and the European Council’s 2016 Conclusions: ‘The next steps under a ‘One Health’ approach to combat antimicrobial resistance’. The National Action Plan is being developed with the oversight and guidance of the Interdepartmental AMR Consultative Committee. The Committee was established in 2014 by my Department’s Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in recognition of the need for a ‘whole of Government’ approach to tackling the issue of AMR. This intersectoral approach crosses the health, veterinary and environmental spheres to encompass all stakeholders’ efforts to address what is a world-wide concern. This work will continue in 2017 and it is intended that the National Action Plan will be published in 2017.
Nationally, I expect that the HSE will place particular emphasis on prevention and management of healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in its service planning for 2017.
Tackling AMR will require the whole system to prioritise key initiatives, working with our international colleagues. Ireland is fully committed to and engaged in addressing resolution of the problem of AMR and will continue to collaborate at international, EU and national levels to this end.