§ Dr. Evan Harris:To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of hospitals have implemented a ward housekeeping service; when the target was set for 65W 50 per cent. of all hospitals to have implemented such a service; when it is due to be met; and what the baseline was for the target. [128905]
§ Mr. Hutton:Housekeepers support an improved patient experience by ensuring that wards are clean, enjoyable food is available and that equipment works.
In June 2000, the NHS Plan set a target for 50 per cent. of hospitals to have a housekeeping service by 2004. At January 2003, 32 per cent. of all hospitals had begun to introduce housekeeping services, rising to 47 per cent. for hospitals with over 100 beds. These larger hospitals account for 86 per cent. of all beds.
The new style ward housekeeper role was developed with the support of 72 trusts that had already begun to develop services in this area. These trusts had a variety of models, including purely cleaning, or purely catering. The new model is a multi-skilled role, covering both areas.
Prior to the NHS Plan, housekeeping data were not collected centrally.