§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice has been issued by her Department regarding the infectious disease multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
§ Mr. SackvilleGuidelines on the control of methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were issued by professional organisations in 1985 and revised in 1990. Copies will be placed in the Library. The Department supports the advice given in these guidelines which are applicable to other multi-resistant staphylococcus organisms.
The Department of Health issued general guidance to the national health service on hospital infection control in 1988, HC(88)33, copies of which are available in the Library. A joint Department of Health/Public Health Laboratory Service working party is currently updating this and we expect to issue revised guidance in 1994.
The staff of the PHLS are able to offer detailed advice to the professionals involved in hospitals affected by MRSA.