A plan for action to reduce hospital-acquired infection

Surveillance is recognised as an essential component of the prevention and control of infection in hospitals. The second National Prevalence Survey in 1993-94 showed a mean hospital-acquired infection prevalence rate of 9%. The Nosocomial Infection National Surveillance Scheme is being developed in England to measure the incidence of nosocomial infection; similar schemes are being developed elsewhere in the UK. Surveillance aims to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection by highlighting areas where changes need to be made, measuring the effects of change and leading to the development of guidelines for good practice.