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."
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