One of the better kept secrets in America is that
Hospital Acquired Infections kills close to 100,000 people a year . When one compares this with the 17,000 a year that die of AIDS, or 25,000 a year that are killed by drunk drivers, one has to wonder.... why don't we hear about this?

Our former Lt Governor Elizabeth McCaughey, and the sponsors of this event appear joined in a campaign to improve the practices and technology that will assist in the prevention Hospital Acquired Infections.

"Betsy" McCauhey focused on MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  She pointed to the success many hospitals have had in combating this all to common catastrophe associated with hospital care. MRSA is labeled as a Hospital Acquired infection and though she didn't use the word epidemic, one was left to draw their own conclusions as MRSA is now also now labeled CA-MRSA or Community Acquired.

Betsy was able to illustrate the improvements hygiene and housekeeping could bring. Appropriate focus and changes in practice in these two areas along with a program of pre-screening patients being admitted have all but eliminated MRSA in many hospitals. She went on to explain the astounding and positive impact on profitability.  Thankfully Dr. McCauhey shared information on how to protect yourself. Well worth the quick read.

Then, if that wasn't enough of a wake up call, Janet Stout went on to talk about the water supply and how it too contributes to Hospital Acquired Infections. Seems there is more in our water and the plumbing the provides it, then any of care to know about. Janet talked specifically to what might be found, where it like to 'live' and to a number of the reasons  we have yet to eliminate the problem. Janet's message was a little more hopeful in that it seemed point of use filtration was 100 % effective.   Getting the word out and initiating change... not so much.

Last but not least Bruce Farber, M.D., Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases North Shore University Hospital brought another nasty problem with Clostridium difficile to everyone's attention. Bruce went on to discuss the problems with big pharma and it's apparent unwillingness to invest R&D dollars into developing new anti-biotics to deal with the evolving resistance today's pathogens have to 40 year old treatments. It seems depression, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorders.... life time medications, are far more profitable. Scary stuff. Dr. Farber's entire presentation is right here.

It was an important and informative event and PCNA was proud to promote it. Keep you eye out for our next event!