This report describes a small sample enquiry into MRSA related deaths. In the main phase of the study, 15 of the 38 deaths examined were in with kidney failure. Four of the 7 case studies had kidney failure. A number of key points were identified including the association with significant co-morbidities, use of indwelling invasive devices and concerns documentation, you will have seen the letter from the CMO regarding inclusion of healthcare associated infection information on death certificates and organisational issues including difficulties implementing isolation policies and large variance in the auditing of infection control practices between Trusts.
PL CNO (2007)7: National confidential study of deaths following meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
