Call for Dorset's older people to be more UTI aware
Urinary tract infections lead to 21,000 South West hospital admissions a year
The NHS and UK Health Security Agency in the South West are joining forces to help reduce the toll from urinary-tract infections (UTIs), which led to more than 21,000 urgent hospital admissions across the region last year.
UTIs can be particularly serious in older people, with the over-70s accounting for 70% of admissions.
While the overall UTI death rate in hospital is around four in a hundred, this rises to nearly one in 10 for people aged 95-plus.
Health bosses say simple steps, such as good hygiene and drinking plenty of fluid, can help people reduce the risk of infection and hospitalisation.
While UTIs are a year-round concern, NHS England and UKHSA hope greater awareness will help keep people well as the NHS approaches what is likely to be another busy winter.
Elizabeth Beech, NHS England’s South West Antimicrobial Resistance and UTI lead, said:
"UTI is very common, and early treatment with the correct antibiotic can reduce the risk of a serious infection that can result in a hospital admission, particularly for older people.
“That’s why we are encouraging older people and their carers to take simple measures to reduce the risk of infection as well as to recognise the signs of a possible infection and seek NHS help. Both of these can help people stay safe at home this winter."
Dr Derren Ready, Consultant in Public Health Infections South West at UKHSA, said:
“Urinary-tract infections are incredibly common and while most people can manage their infection at home with painkillers and plenty of fluids, some people will develop more serious complications, such as kidney or bloodstream infections that need hospital treatment.
"These more serious consequences are more common in people over the age of 65 so we are reminding people over the age of 65 in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. Regular washing and keeping dry can also help reduce the risk of infections.”