§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate(a) how many and (b) what percentage of hospitals have contracted out cleaning and hygiene services for clinical areas to private operators; how many had done so before 1 May 1997; and how many have done so since 1 May 1997. [118517]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 11 April 200]: The information is not collected centrally. Trust chief executives are responsible for standards of cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals. Hospitals contract out provision of cleaning services, or provide them in-house. Regardless of the method of provision, the services provided should meet appropriate standards and provide best value. To help trusts meet appropriate standards we will be publishing later this month "Standards for Environmental Cleanliness in Hospitals", developed by the Infection Control Nurses Association and the Association of Domestic Managers.