§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the risk of nosocomial infections in medical assessment units; and what guidance has been given to the NHS on this issue. [126156]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonNo specific guidance on medical assessment units has been issued, but we have set standards to ensure there is a managed environment which minimises the risk of infection to patients, staff and visitors. Analyses of hospital performance in infection control standards has recently shown an improvement and this contributed to the improved star ratings this year.
However, more needs to be done and we are continuing to work to improve infection control in hospitals. The Chief Medical Officer is leading a new initiative to produce a longer term strategy to reduce healthcare associated infections.