Health Care Associated Infections
Rising rates of MRSA and others.
Millions of patients across North America are affected by healthcare-associated infections each year. Drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA continue to challenge healthcare facilities and impact patient safety.
Increased STAY
Resulting in decreased bed and room availability
Healthcare Associated Infections increase hospital stays by an average of 11 days.
Financial Strain
Health care Associated Infections cost up to $45 Billion a year
Financial strain on the health care institution averaged over $25,000 per HAI case in 2009, and more than that post-discharge, account-ing for an estimated 28-45 billion per year.
Death
A preventable outcome of health care
Healthcare-associated infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality each year. Effective infection prevention and control measures play a critical role in reducing preventable patient harm.
Prevention
Health care Associated Infections can be prevented.
Hospitals in the United States, Canada and Europe have demonstrated that with stringent cleaning and infection control, increased staff training and workforce stability infection rates are reduced.
Liability
Health care Associated Infections are not acceptable
Liability suits against healthcare facilities continue, such as a $50 million lawsuit against an acute care centre where 91 patients died after a C. difficile outbreak.