Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Hospitals Are Cutting the Rate of Hospital Infections

Every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital across the entire country has been participating in an effort to prevent the number of patients contracting additional illnesses while in the hospital. Those efforts include testing all patients as they check into the hospital.

According to a recent study, these efforts have resulted in a noteworthy reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The numbers, which were measured between October 2007 and June 2010 show:

 

·      a 62% reduction in infections in hospital intensive care units (ICU); and

·      an overall 45% reduction across the entire hospital.

 

The Audie Murphy VA hospital in Texas has posted even more impressive rates than the national VA hospital averages. From September of last year to February of this year, the hospital cut rates of infection from MRSA and other "multi-drug-resistant organisms" by 82%.

MRSA commonly lives on the skin or in the nose of seemingly healthy people. It infects people through openings in their bodies, such as catheters and breathing tubes. For hospital patients, many of whom already suffer from compromised immune systems, MRSA infections in their hearts, lungs, blood, and bones can be fatal.

Results from the patients' swabbing at intake are usually returned within 24 hours. This gives the hospital staff the ability to treat the infection and prevent its spread to other patients.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.