Is the NHS doing enough to combat hospital acquired infections Essay

Is the NHS doing enough to combat hospital acquired infections - Essay Example The first is transmission from pathogens that may be found on the surface of the hands of the health personnel. Secondly, the infections can also be transmitted through dirty air purification systems, contaminated water, unhygienic staff as well as improper physical layout of the hospital leading to congestion. The level of sickness of a patient and the length of time that he stays in hospital can also facilitate the transmission of pathogens (Davey P.  2005 pp. 33-37). Clostridium difficile is the most common hospital acquired infection that causes diarrhea. It occurs as a result of toxins produced by the bacteria which cause damage to the bowel thereby causing diarrhea. It is usually spread through contamination of surfaces with the bacteria from the stool of an infected person. Prevention can be achieved through cleanliness in the hospital surfaces and most importantly, washing of hands after visiting the toilet facilities. Staphylococcus aureus is also common bacteria which are found on the skin surface as well as inside the nose of even people who are healthy. The infections on the skin are normally minor with symptoms of boils.  In more complicated situations, the bacteria may result in fever, ache and serious infections. This usually occurs amongst people who have a frail immunity. As in C. difficile prevention of its spread includes promotion of hand hygiene. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Enterococci are bacteria that are usually found in the bowels of human beings as well as the skin. The infections may crop up anyplace within in the body, such as in the intestines and the urinary tract. These infections are usually difficult to treat. Control measures include tracking incidences and reporting on regular basis (Wenzel R, 2001 pp. 22-26). Clostridium difficile and MRSA are the most common hospital transmitted infections in the United Kingdom. The two kinds of infections are usually caused by improper hygienic practices amongst the patients and