The survey, which included 121 NHS trusts, found 7.6% of patients had HCAIs in 2023, up by 1% on the last survey in 2016.

Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA, said: ‘It's good to see that overall levels of healthcare-associated infections remained relatively similar in 2023, compared to 2016. However, levels have still increased in some parts of the health service, which must be addressed – together with continuing to drive down overall levels.

‘Work is being conducted to better understand the drivers so that we can protect patients, especially those who are more susceptible to these types of infection such as the elderly and people with comorbidities.'

The UKHSA said the slight rise could be due to increased pressure on the healthcare system following Covid and more unwell patients due to an ageing population or more patients with comorbidities. Prevalence levels were consistent with other European countries, including Spain, Sweden and Ireland.

In acute NHS trusts, 8% of patients tested positive for an HCAI. However, expected higher levels at 16.6% were recorded in acute specialty trusts, such as orthopaedic and children's trusts where patients can be more susceptible to HCAIs. Among specialty trusts, HCAI prevalence was highest in ICUs at 15.9%.

Of the total number of 3,493 HCAIs reported by the participating organisations, pneumonia/lower respiratory tract infections were the most common sites of infection (29.6%), followed UTIs (17.5%) and sepsis/disseminated infections (10.6%). HCAI prevalence levels in mental health and community sites was 5.1% and 5%, respectively.

Over a third (34.1%) patients were given antibiotics on the day of the survey. In NHS acute care hospitals, the overall antibiotic use prevalence was similar in 2023 (37.3%), compared to 2016 (36.7%). Further analysis of the antibiotics prescribed showed that ‘Access' and ‘Reserve' antibiotics accounted for 31.3% and 6% of total antibiotic use respectively in participating hospitals.

Access antibiotics accounted for 64.1% of the total in 2023. The UK is aiming to achieve 70% of total use of antibiotics from Access across the human healthcare system by 2029 to preserve efficacy.

An NHS spokesperson said: ‘These findings provide vital information to support NHS staff in preventing and reducing potential harm. Sustained effort and alignment across systems is essential in addressing healthcare associated infections rates and we are continuing work on key factors including antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostic practices and ensuring infection, prevention and control measures.'