This information is for patients, carers or anyone who wants to know the reported numbers of MRSA bloodstream infections or Clostridium difficile infections in their area or region. It is also designed to inform any member of the public or staff who want to know the numbers of MRSA bloodstream infections or Clostridium difficile infections in their area compared to other areas, whether in hospital or the primary care setting.

The Health Protection Agency publishes information on the numbers of reported MRSA bloodstream infections and cases of Clostridium difficile infection by hospital trust and primary care organisation every month, and by individual hospital each week.

For the purposes of the information published on this website, the term 'primary care organisation' relates to the people or care providers you normally see when you first have a health problem, for example your General Practice, local Walk-in Centre or Dentist. Primary care may also support the provision of social care provided at home, in a care home or a nursing home. Providers of health and social care are required to report MRSA bloodstream infections and cases of Clostridium difficile infection, even if the people affected do not require hospital treatment. A higher proportion of these infections are reported outside of the hospital setting.

Bloodstream Infections (bacteraemia) account for around 7% of all healthcare associated infections, only 4% are caused by MRSA. Other infections where MRSA may be involved are not included in these numbers. MRSA infections excluded from these figures are urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, surgical site infections, skin and soft tissue infections. Of the 1,855 MRSA bloodstream infections reported here, 70.03% (1,299) were attributed as being contracted outside of the hospital setting over the last 13 months.

The Clostridium difficile figures indicate that on average, of the 29,861 reported cases, 69.19% (20,660) were recorded outside of the hospital setting over the last 13 months.

The graphs list the regions in order according to the proportion of infection cases per head of population.