More hospital cleaners the answer to superbugs

Oct 19 2008

UNISON is calling for more hospital cleaners to stamp out superbugs once and for all.

Ratings published by the government's healthcare watchdog show a major improvement in the quality of NHS care in England.

Trusts have taken a huge leap forward in meeting a broad range of measures that matter to patients, including safety, waiting times, infection control and health outcomes, says the Healthcare Commission.

However, MRSA rates are still too high – 60% of trusts have failed to hit their reduction targets.

A sharper focus on cleaning is needed in order to conquer hospital-acquired infections, said UNISON head of health Karen Jennings.

"We need to see a sharper focus on cleaning services, and they must be a fully funded part of the NHS – not contracted out to private firms," she said.

"An increase in the number of cleaners would help to speed up the rate of improvement."