MRSA Action: Health professionals and patient groups join relatives and survivors of MRSA to pay tribute to those lost to healthcare infections at Westminster Abbey

Monday, 29 June 2009 12:00 AM

Health professionals and patient groups join relatives and survivors of MRSA to pay tribute to those lost to healthcare infections at Westminster Abbey

On Thursday 9th July 2009, MRSA Action UK will pay tribute to all the people who have died in recent years from healthcare infections, and those who continue to suffer the lasting effects of having acquired an infection whilst receiving healthcare. We shall also remember those who have acquired infections in the community, particularly the more virulent bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics, such as PVL-MRSA and community acquired Clostridium difficile.

The service and laying of wreaths at Westminster Abbey will be a mark of respect to the people who are no longer with us, their families and survivors who continue to campaign to raise awareness about the importance of doing everything we can to prevent infections in hospitals and the wider community.

We are touched by the support that our organisation is receiving for our campaign, many families who have been recently bereaved will be attending, and health professionals who are dedicated to making sure everything that can be done is being done to prevent infections and save lives. The Care Quality Commission, National Patient Safety Agency, the Patients Association and Department of Health will all be sending representatives or attending in a personal capacity. MPs that have either been affected by the loss of someone they love or have the power to influence health policy will also be in attendance.

We are privileged to have guests in attendance from across the UK and the USA. Jeanine Thomas of the MRSA Survivors Network in the USA will be attending. Jeanine is America's most vocal patient advocate who has campaigned for changes in legislation, and has seen success with 34 states now having legislation for disclosing MRSA rates to the public. Her campaign continues for screening, and she continues to raise awareness of the need to prevent infections and save our reserves of antibiotics through establishing World MRSA Day on the 2nd October. The whole of October will be World MRSA Awareness month. MRSA Action UK has joined Jeanine's campaign to heighten awareness and put resources into preventing life threatening infections such as MRSA.

Other guests include Martin Kiernan, President of the Infection Prevention Society, who will be speaking at the reception after the service. Our President, Professor Hugh Pennington and Juliet Magee, Lead Infection Control Nurse at Bedford Hospital are also speakers at the event.

The service begins at 1.00pm at the Innocent Victims Memorial Stone with prayers and the laying of wreaths, followed by the Reception at Westminster City Council Archives Centre. Anyone may attend the service and if they cannot attend and would like a floral tribute laid please contact us at info@mrsaactionuk.net

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