The excess cost associated with healthcare-associated bloodstream infections at Auckland City Hospital
Andrew Burns, Lesley Bowers, Nick Pak, Jean Wignall, Sally Roberts
Up to 5 to 10% of patients admitted to hospital acquire an infection which may prolong their hospital stay. These infections cost the health sector money and prevent the bed being used for other purposes. This study has put a monetary value on the cost of an episode of healthcare-associated bloodstream infection. This is the cost to the hospital not to the patient. There will also be a cost to the patient in terms of loss of income for them, or family members, as they support the patients delayed return to full health. Initiatives within the health sector that are aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections need to be supported.