Introduction
SSI account for an estimated 16% of all healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and can lead to increased antibiotic consumption and healthcare costs, prolonged recovery for patients, increased pain, anxiety, further risk of complications and, in some cases, death (National Audit Office(NAO)) 2000, Health protection Agency(HPA)2012. patients who develop SSI after discharge from hospital are at increased risk of readmission, resulting in additional costs to the NHS. Estimates suggest that it costs the NHS 700 million per year to treat with SSI (Adams-Howell et al 2011) SSI can be prevented with appropriate intervention, and healthcare professionals have an important role in this area. Guidance is available to assist healthcare professional in the prevention, recognition and treatment of SSI and should be integrated into local policies so that every patient undergoing surgery receives the best possible care.