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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - MRSA Statistics.

James McDaid

Ceist:

20 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths which are estimated to be as a result of methicillin resistant staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) in Ireland since 1990; and the steps, if any, currently being taken by his Department to deal with this problem in our hospitals. [24522/96]

Batt O'Keeffe

Ceist:

27 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to set up a national surveillance unit to monitor methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). [22478/96]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the issues of concern which have been brought to his attention regarding methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); the hospitals which have expressed their concerns in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24453/96]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

121 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if statistics are available regarding the incidence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Irish hospitals; and if so, whether these statistics include the number of people who have contracted methicllin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals in the Republic and those who have died as a consequence. [24542/96]

James McDaid

Ceist:

129 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in our hospitals; the current number of confirmed cases; the number of hospitals involved; the steps, if any, being taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24291/96]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

149 Mr. Calley asked the Minister for Health the Irish hospitals which have recorded methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the hospital or expressed concerns in this regard; the submissions, if any, he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24624/96]

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 27, 112, 121, 129 and 149 together.

The establishment of a national disease surveillance unit is currently being considered and the faculty of pathology of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland has submitted to the Department a consensus proposal drawn up by a group representing the various professional organisations with a particular interest in the area. This proposal envisages a national surveillance mechanism which would build on the reporting systems which have been developed in some regions, and which would assist in the control of all communicable diseases, including hospital acquired infections such as MRSA. This proposal is currently under consideration.

I have been anxious to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to control and reduce the prevalence of MRSA and I am glad to inform the Deputy that significant measures have already been taken by my Department in this area. In September 1993 a committee comprising representatives from the Department of Health, consultant microbiologists, specialists in public health medicine, general practice, and the Infection Control Nurses Association was established to indentify the extent to which MRSA was a problem in the Irish health system and to establish priorities for its control.
A national survey of the prevalence of MRSA was carried out to assess the extent of the problem and the committee also recommended a comprehensive set of guidelines covering procedures for the management of MRSA in acute hospitals and other health care settings. The committee also produced guidelines and information for patients and health care staff.
These national guidelines were endorsed by a wide rage of professional bodies involved in the control of MRSA and I was happy to publish the guidelines last year. The guidelines have been widely circulated throughout the country and are an important step in promoting awareness of MRSA and the measures for its control and will ensure an even safer environment for the care of the sick both in the hospital and community.
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