HC Deb 01 July 1986 vol 100 c499W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of those in-patients who suffered from post-operative infection in each regional health authority area in 1983 died as a result of the infection.

Mr. Whitney

I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the information he seeks. It is not available from the sample information held centrally.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what compensation was paid by each regional health authority area in those in-patients who had postoperative infection in 1983;

(2) how many in-patients in maternity units suffered from post-operative infection in each regional health authority area in 1983 and each subsequent year.

Mr. Whitney

I regret that this information is not recorded centrally.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the major cause of post-operative infection;

(2) what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of inpatient post-operative infection;

(3) if he will make a statement on the problem of inpatient post-operative infection.

Mr. Whitney

Information on hospital acquired infection (HAI) is contained in the public health laboratory service prevalance study (1981). A copy is in the Library. This indicates that the issue is a complex one. It is not possible to isolate major causes, nor is all HAI preventable. It is, however, for health authorities to ensure that adequate systems are in place for the monitoring and control of infection in hospitals, from whatever source that infection arises. We hope to issue fresh guidance on these issues later in the year.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the south-western region had more cases of in-patient post-operative infection in 1983 than other regions.

Mr. Whitney

The Department is investigating the apparent higher incidence in the region and I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services which hospital in each regional health authority area has the largest number of in-patient post-operative infections in the latest year for which figures are available.

Mr. Whitney

I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the information he seeks. It is not available from the sample information held centrally.