VA Health Initiative is Reducing MRSA Cases
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) a serious problem in hospitals throughout the country. That is why an initiative by the Veterans Health Administration looks so promising. At a recent conference, the VHA reported a reduction in “Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by 89 percent over four years in a Veterans community living center (CLC) in North Carolina.” According to the study, the VHA saved close to $2.2 million and prevented as many as 64 infections between 2013 and 2016.
If such an initiative can be implemented on a wider scale, the results could be extraordinary. MRSA is an especially dangerous form of a staph infection because it is so resistant to antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection can become life-threatening, affecting the bloodstream (leading to septicemia), bones, heart, lungs and joints.
MRSA, along with c. diff, CRE and necrotizing fasciitis, is fairly common in hospitals and nursing homes. This year, we have also seen an increased number of mycobacterial infections in healthcare facilities around the country. If the VHA has found a way to lower the number of MRSA infections, then that’s one fewer disease we have to worry about, while we work on wiping out the others.
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, is a trusted South Carolina injury law firm focused on infectious diseases and HAIs. We have helped clients in multiple states. To learn more about our services, please call 803-327-7800, or fill out this contact form.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
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