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New report slams superbug crisis in wards
June 6, 2004 12:00 AM
The Government has been heavily criticised for its "utter and extreme complacency" in dealing with the risk of superbugs according to a new report into hospital cleanliness out today.
The Liberal Democrat report, Now Wash Your Hands 2, finds damning evidence of superbug cases reaching record levels and a system ill-equipped to deal with the situation despite continued warnings.
The report, a follow-up to the original published in 2002, finds that:
RECORD LEVELS OF INFECTION - Since 2002, rates of MRSA have hit record levels. MRSA rates have increased from just over 1000 in 1996 to over 7000 last year, under the new mandatory collection scheme.
NO PROPER DETAILS OF SUPERBUG DEATHS - It is currently impossible to tell how many deaths are caused by superbugs every year. Official statistics are simply the tip of the iceberg. Parliamentary answers show that despite reforms to the death certification process, there is still no way of finding out the true number of deaths caused by these bugs.
NHS ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM - Hospitals only scored themselves 6 out of 10 last year for implementing infection control standards.
SERIOUS LACK OF ISOLATION FACILITIES - Government documents admit that the provision of isolation facilities and single rooms in NHS hospitals is sadly lacking
FEWER BEDS, MORE RISK - There are over 3000 fewer hospital beds now than when Labour came to power. This has led to high levels of bed occupancy and a higher risk of infections.
POOR CLEANLINESS - Staff in many hospitals are struggling with inadequate washing facilities, which makes hand hygiene more difficult to enforce.
Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:
"This report proves the lack of real progress being made in making our hospital wards cleaner and safer. It is a black mark against the Government's record on NHS hygiene.
"The Government's approach to dealing with superbugs has been one of utter and extreme complacency. People go into hospital to get better. But they are getting sicker because of staff shortages and because infection control is not a high enough priority.
"Patients should be encouraged to make sure staff wash their hands. Infection control must be a top priority. The Government must clean up its act and make progress to stop more lives being lost."
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