ABHI calls for leadership in fight against Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

Published: 05/21

LONDON, UK - (HealthTech Wire) -  ABHI Chairman Peter Ellingworth has called upon the Department of Health to show leadership and take ownership of the issues in the battle against MRSA, clostridium difficile and other HAIs.

Speaking at the Westminster Health Forum seminar on HAI and patient safety on 20th May, the ABHI Chairman gave voice to the frustration within the healthcare sector that the slow adoption of technology is hindering efforts to combat HAIs. Mr Ellingworth stated:

“There are cutting edge technologies that have been passed by the rapid review panel, that nurses want to use, but uptake is being blocked by either the lack of available funding or willingness on the part of the decision-makers to take responsibility. This situation is typical of the current fixation by the Department of Health on the unit cost of technologies, rather than looking at the wider benefits they can deliver.”

Mr Ellingworth also emphasised the important role industry plays in educating healthcare professionals in the use of new technologies, and joined other speakers in calling on the government to prioritise the fight against HAIs, and recognise the overall financial savings to the NHS that a reduction in cases would bring.