Working towards an NHS standard for aseptic non-touch technique.
Despite increased NHS funding, health care-associated infection (HCAI) remains a major problem. Polarising the issue is the media's favourite 'superbug'--methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Incidence of MRSA in the UK continues to rise at a higher rate than in other European countries. The National Audit Office estimates the cost of hospital-acquired infection to be 1 bn Pound a year, and it causes 5,000-15,000 deaths annually (NAO, 2000).
Rowley
Stephen
S
Haematology Unit, University College Hospital, London. stephen.rowley@uclh.org
Sinclair
Susan
S
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009731:Nursing Audit / Q000379:methods; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom