§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to improve standards of hygiene within the NHS. [165045]
§ Dr. LadymanWe are working to improve both infection control and cleanliness. Key to achieving this is implementation of "Winning Ways—Working 263W together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England". This will reduce infection rates and improve patient care.
In addition, to help the national health service comply with "Standards of Cleanliness for the NHS", a healthcare cleaning manual will be issued shortly to all NHS trusts. The National Patient Safety Agency is piloting a new approach to hand hygiene in acute hospitals and this will start to be implemented during 2004.