§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital patients were infected with methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus in the last year for which figures are available; how many died; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIn the year to 31 December 1988, 625 hospital patients were infected with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with 24 deaths attributable or partly attributable to the infection. High standards of hygiene for both patients and staff, and the thorough cleaning of infected wards, are important for the control of MRSA. A national survey of MRSA is in continual progress conducted jointly by the hospital infection division of the public health laboratory service and the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre with results being available to microbiologists on request.