GovToday announces the launch of Reducing HCAIs ‘09 – Clean Safe Care Conference and Exhibition, which will be held on the 17th June 09, at the Church House Westminster.

On 18th September, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, announced that MRSA infections were down 57% since 2004, with large reductions also in C.difficile infections.

"Tackling infections and improving safety in our hospitals is one of the highest priorities as a Government. Not only will this huge improvement make the NHS a far safer place to be treated and cared for but I believe that it protects the reputation of one of Britain's greatest institutions."

In April 2008 the Healthcare Commission launched the largest unannounced inspection programme to check that all acute trusts are compliant with the hygiene code. In April 2009 the Care Quality Commission will bring together the work of the previous three commissions, and it will become a legal requirement for all NHS trusts that provide services for patients to register with them. Trusts will need to apply for registration between 12th January and the 6th February 2009, whilst a wider registration system for all aspects of care across both health and adult social care providers will apply from April 2010.

At the end of this process, clear guidelines will be in place, which if not met, could lead to the closure of the ward, the hospital or in severe instances the trust.

Reducing HCAIs ‘09 – Clean Safe Care is the first in a series of events designed to spark debate on current and future codes of practice and regulations regarding the management and prevention of HCAIs and improvements of hygiene and cleanliness across all Acute trusts and the wider community interface.

This conference comes at an apt time to review progress in creating a safer, cleaner service for the patient. Providing an important forum for discussion and information sharing, this event will preview the latest technological successes whilst providing details of the latest guidelines, codes and Government strategies in targeting infection and saving lives.