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Hospital Acquired Infections

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018

Thursday, 24 May 2018

Ceisteanna (132)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

132. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated in 2018 to provide for the full implementation of national policies and guidelines in regard to antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-acquired infections; and if the funding has been ring-fenced for that purpose. [22942/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Department of Health.

On 25 October last, Ireland’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (iNAP) was launched by myself and Minister Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine. This Plan was developed in line with the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR (2015). The iNAP activities are prioritised and being implemented across the duration of the Plan.

In response to the emergence of virulent antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, in particular CPE or CRE, commonly known as 'superbugs', I convened the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in October 2017, as a public health response to the CPE superbug. CPE has been declared as a public health emergency. The NPHET is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. It held its first meeting on 02 November 2017 and continues to meet regularly.  

The actions arising from iNAP and identified through the NPHET on CPE are being progressed. The Department held back dedicated funding for 2018 and the HSE is prioritising work programmes for this funding in line with CPE risk, which also addresses strategic interventions in iNAP. To date the Department has provided funding to expand the national team on HCAI/AMR, and fund prioritised laboratory posts. This provides a multi-disciplinary team and dedicated implementation leads to tackle the challenge of AMR and CPE in particular across the HSE.

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