Customer satisfaction survey with the National Vaccine Cold Chain Delivery Service.

In 2008 the Health Service Executive (HSE) carried out a survey to assess general practitioners (GPs) satisfaction with the National Vaccine Cold Chain Service. This survey found high levels of satisfaction (> 90%) with the service. Over half of those surveyed had used the vaccine returns service with the majority (89.2%) finding it good or very good.

Epidemiology of hepetitis C infection, ERHA/HSE Eastern region.

Hepatitis C became statutorily notifiable in Ireland on 1 January 2004. Prior to 2004, only hepatitis A and hepatitis B were notifiable as distinct types of hepatitis. A third category notifiable under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 was "viral hepatitis unspecified". The majority of cases notified under this heading were thought to be due to infection with hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Between January 1 2004 and December 31 2005, the Department of Public Health HSE Eastern Region, received notification of 2,014 cases of HCV infection (2004, 941 cases, 2005 1,073 cases). This report outlines basic demographic details on cases notified and comments on missing data. Peak age band at notification for males and females is in the 25-29 year old age group where 538 (26.7%) were notified. Thirty cases notified (1.5%) were under 15 years of age. Drug misuse has been confirmed as a risk factor for 1247 (61.9%) of cases notified, and may be a risk factor in a large percentage of the reminder where risk factor data are unknown. Problems with completeness of notification have been identified. Enhanced surveillance of all hepatitis C infections is a prerequisite for future service planning.

Influenza A outbreak in a community hospital.

In January 2005, the Department of Public Health, HSE Eastern Region, received notification of an outbreak of influenza-like illness (ILI) in a community hospital for elderly patients. Influenza A (H3N2 subtype) was isolated in 12 of 18 (66%) throat swabs sent to the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL). An outbreak control team was convened. Infection control measures were put in place. Immunisation clinics were organised for non-immunised staff. The epidemic curve confirmed peak onset of illness from 14th-17th January. Attack rates were high among patients (37/74: 50%). Mortalities were also reported. A high percentage of cases occurred in patients who had been immunised (19/34: 55.6%). Seventeen of 94 healthcare workers (HCWs) became ill (18.1%), of whom only 3 (3.2%) had been immunised. A questionnaire circulated to staff identified reasons for non-immunisation. In accordance with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and microbiological advice, antiviral medication was recommended for patients and non-immunised HCWs as treatment or chemoprophylaxis. This outbreak highlights the importance of immunisation of HCWs against influenza.