6 April 2018
Hospital bosses are delighted after receiving a congratulatory letter from NHS Improvement.
The Executive Director of Nursing has congratulated staff at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) for its “excellent contribution” toward reducing E. coli bloodstream infections.
SaTH, which runs Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, has reduced infections by more than 10 per cent.
Ruth May, Executive Director of Nursing, at NHS Improvement, said: “I am really pleased to see the excellent contribution SaTH has made to reducing E. coli bloodstream infections.
“Although, this has been a difficult ambition to achieve, your Trust is one of 59 who have achieved a 10 per cent or greater reduction.
“These are not just numbers; these are people so this directly contributes to better outcomes.”
Deirdre Fowler, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Quality at SaTH, echoed Ruth May’s testament.
She said: “We have been able to achieve this thanks to our exceptionally hard working and compassionate workforce.
“Infection rates can be cut with better hygiene and improved patient care. I would like to thank each and every member of staff; your commitment enables us to provided first class care to our local communities.”
An E. coli infection can cause diarrhoea, blood in poo, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. The bacterial infection is mainly caused by the E. coli O157 strain, found in the gut and poo of many animals, particularly cattle and sheep.
People usually notice symptoms three and four days after they’ve been infected, but symptoms can start any time between one and 14 days afterwards. These symptoms can last up to two weeks.