Superbug on Rise

The deadly MRSA infection is a growing problem in Hertfordshire hospitals in the U.K. with the number of cases rising to almost double those expected, alarming new statistics have revealed.

The latest information from the East and North Hertfordshire Trust, which includes the QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City and the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, shows that the number of cases of the MRSA superbug has risen to twice the target.

Conservative MP for Welwyn Hatfield, Grant Shapps, said: "Residents will be concerned that after years of Government programmes and initiatives, we still can't quite seem to deliver clean hospitals which are fit for purpose.

"It seems wrong that people should have to worry about going to hospital and contracting MRSA or C-Difficile.

"I urge the local NHS trust bosses to finally get on top of this worrying situation."

Statistics just published reveal that in the three months from April to June, 12 patients had contracted MRSA, double the trust's target for that period.

A spokesman for the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust said: "In the four months since April, there have been 15 recorded cases.

"There have been none so far in August.

"Every year, our target for reducing MRSA blood infections is lowered and every year we have made very real improvements.

"The trust's staff have put a great deal of effort into combating infections but evidence now exists showing that up to half of all MRSA were actually acquired before the patient came into hospital. A growing case for how much more vigilant healthcare facilities need to be in order to ensure that patients are safe as they are administered care.

By Carly Griggs