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An annual study into the performance of NHS trusts across England has found that six out of 10 acute and specialist trusts are not meeting government standards on managing infections.
These trusts are failing to hit a target to cut MRSA infections by at least 60% over three years, according to the research by the Healthcare Commission.
While the study found an overall increase in the number of trusts rated excellent and good on the quality of services they offer to patients, it also highlighted areas that still needed attention, including managing infections like MRSA and Clostridium difficile.
The government standards set out how trusts must take steps to reduce the risk of infection, make sure that medical equipment is cleaned and decontaminated properly and that the hospital environment is clean and in a good condition.
This year’s research found that a total of 114 trusts were not compliant with one or more of the standards relating to infection control.
Looking at the overall quality of services, however, of all 391 NHS trusts in England, 100 (26%) were found to be excellent, 139 (36%) were good, 132 (34%) were fair and 20 (5%) were weak.
On use of resources, 94 (24%) were excellent, 145 (37%) were good, 132 (34%) were fair and 20 (5%) were weak.
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