More hospital cleaners the answer to superbugs

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."