§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to reduce the number of cases of MRSA in hospitals. [151715]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 29 January 2004]: We already have standards to ensure there is a managed environment, which minimises the risk of infection to patients, staff and visitors. Hospital performance in infection control has shown an improvement over the last three years but intensified action is required and a new action plan has been produced. We are confident that implementation of "Winning Ways—Working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England", will reduce infection rates for all pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.