The website of the Clinical Services Journal

MRSA reduction with chlorine dioxide

There is a growing body of evidence to support the efficacy of disinfection with chlorine dioxide in the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

There is a growing body of evidence to support the efficacy of disinfection with chlorine dioxide in the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). One Trust has achieved significant reductions in MRSA rates resulting in major cost-savings by implementing this disinfecting agent in its environmental cleaning process. Suzanne Callander and Louise Frampton report.

There is a great deal of evidence to show that antibiotic resistant micro-organisms are able to survive in the hospital environment. These organisms can infect patients and contribute to increased mortality, morbidity and increased length of hospital stays for patients. Surfaces in hospitals can become contaminated with a range of organisms associated with HCAIs. Staphylococcus aureus, for example, is an organism adapted to living on the skin. Contaminated skin cells of an MRSA colonised patient can easily be shed into the environment and land on surfaces to be redistributed and spread infection. To compound the problem MRSA can survive for up to seven months on environmental surfaces. 

Part of the solution for minimising cross contamination in the hospital environment is the rigorous cleaning and disinfection of medical devices as well as floors, furniture and equipment. Following an outbreak of Clostridium difficile in 2008 Antrim Area Hospital, part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) set about implementing a more rigorous programme of environmental cleaning and disinfection which included the use of a low-strength chlorine dioxide based solution (125 ppm) on some wards to help bring the outbreak under control. 

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025