Peter
Viggers, MP for the Gosport constituency, this week backed
the action plan unveiled by the Conservative Party to clean
up hospitals across the country, and clamp down on dirty
wards which are breeding grounds for dangerous ‘superbugs’ like
MRSA.
Peter said, “Despite
the Government being warned four years ago, action has
not been taken to improve cleanliness
and infection control. I have had many letters from constituents
who are worried about having to go into hospital because
of their fears of catching such a bug. As a result of their
concerns, people may avoid getting the healthcare that they
need.”
Locally, there was an 8% rise in the number of MRSA reports
in 2002/03, from 2001/02.
Outlining
an action plan to tackle these hospital-acquired infections
across
England and restore public confidence in
the NHS, Peter said, “The Government has not responded
to the rising number of MRSA cases with the urgency required.
The Conservative action plan includes measures to:
- Abolish
flawed Whitehall targets which have overridden the
recommendations of infection control teams to close beds
or wards for cleaning
- Require
the preparation and publication of infection rates
in each hospital, on the basis of each clinical department
- Recruit
additional infection control nurses and include training
in infection control for health professionals
Peter concluded, “Going
into hospital is a stressful experience whatever the reason.
This plan will at least help
to give patients and their relatives the clean hospitals
and peace of mind that they deserve, and will mean that the
worry of infection by MRSA or other bug will be addressed.” |
