HC Deb 13 September 2004 vol 424 cc1481-2W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to improve hygiene in local hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [187815]

Angela Smith

All health and social services trusts in Northern Ireland have a duty to ensure that high standards of hygiene in hospitals are being met and maintained. The Department of Health. Social Services and Public Safety is placing a renewed emphasis on clean hospitals with the planned establishment of standards for cleanliness against which performance will be measured and improvements delivered.