More needs to be done to prevent hospital patients from developing infections, says an NHS watchdog.
One in 16 patients treated by the NHS will pick up an infection, latest figures show.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has submitted its “quality standards” on preventative measures, such as washing hands.
The standards recommend that patients be prescribed antibiotics according to guidelines and that healthcare workers follow procedures – such as the above – to reduce the risk of infection when certain devices, such as catheters, are used.
Nearly 300,000 patients in England develop an infection each year whilst being treated in hospital and Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE, said it is unacceptable that rates are still so high.
“Infections are a costly and avoidable burden. They hinder a patient’s recovery, can make underlying conditions worse, and reduce quality of life,” Leng said.
“Although there have been major improvements within the NHS in infection control, particularly in relation to Clostridium difficile and MRSA bloodstream infections in the last few years, healthcare-associated infections are still a very real threat to patients, their families and carers and staff.
“This quality standard gives primary, community and secondary care services the most up-to-date advice on the best ways to minimise the risks of infections.”
Infections can develop through invasive procedures or the use of devices such as urinary catheters. These infections can then be passed on to others.
Director of the Royal College of Nursing in England, Tom Sandford, said: “Infection prevention and control are key to patient safety and need to be prioritised by every health service organisation.
“It is vital that all health care workers are actively involved in upholding infection control and hygiene standards and nursing staff have been at the forefront of many successful efforts to reduce infections and promote patient safety.
“All health employers should provide leadership at a local level and support their staff in adhering to NICE’s quality standard, from making sure they receive relevant training to allowing them the time to follow the correct procedures.”