North West London Hospitals Trust Board, 28 Jan 2009

Highlights of the meeting

1. Maternity figures are lower than expected It seems that people register with the hospital but then do not come for the birth. One theory is that several of these expectant mothers are East Europeans who are returning home because of the economic situation.

2. Infection Prevention and Control The number of MRSA cases is below the target, at 22 instead of 24 so far (32 for the whole year). In fact there have been no new cases since November. C.Diff cases are also well below the expected numbers.


3. Overall Performance The numbers of patients arriving at A & E has reached record levels. Cold weather and staff sickness contribute to the difficulties. Actually, this is a general London problem, even if not national. The healthcare Commission’s survey of A & E departments has found that there are major differences in responses between national figures and London figures, reason not readily explainable. The trust performs quite well when compared with other London trusts, not so well on a national comparison.


Paul