NHS Superbugs Warning

The NHS is in the "deadly grip" of hospital superbugs, UNISON warned today.

The union wants to see cleaning and cleaners "on the front line" in efforts to quell the rising number of deaths linked to MRSA and C difficile.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, the number of deaths related to Clostridium difficile rose by 69% between 2004-05 to 3,800.

In the same period, MRSA-related deaths increased by 39% to 1,629.

The government accepted that to cut deaths linked to both bugs was a "major challenge".
Being mentioned on a certificate does not necessarily mean a hospital-acquired infection was the cause of death, but it does mean that it was considered a contributing factor.

"These shocking figures show that MRSA and C difficile have a deadly grip on our NHS," said UNISON head of health Karen Jennings. "We need to wage war on these superbugs. And cleaning and cleaners should be on the front line as an integral part of the infection control team." No-one wanted to be treated in a dirty hospital, she added. "But sadly the culture of cleaning was sold off at the same time as compulsory competitive tendering was brought in.
"It's time for hospitals to set safe minimum staffing levels for their cleaning services. Patients and staff deserve nothing less."

The Patients Association warned that the government's latest NHS reforms could make the situation even worse. "Our worry is that these figures will continue to rise as other priorities take precedence," a spokeswoman said.

The government's announcement this week of plans to reduce hospital waiting times by conducting "round-the-clock operations" would further undermine hygiene controls in hospitals, she added.

Source: Unison press release

Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Union Safety Services