Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has noted the results of an international survey which placed Ireland, with 119 cases of MRSA per million of population, highest in Europe for hospital acquired infections; if she proposes to hold an audit of HAIs on an individualised hospital basis; the protocols she proposes to put in place to reduce the incidence of such infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19965/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is aware of the recent report published by the Irish Patient's Association on hospital-acquired infections, or HAIs. Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of HAIs including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA. Improving the standards of cleanliness in hospitals is a priority. One of the specific actions identified in the ten-point plan to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services refers to the need to address this particular issue.

The Deputy will be aware that operational issues in relation to the services provided by acute hospitals now rests with the Health Service Executive, HSE. The prevention and control of HAIs is a priority issue for the HSE. My Department understands that the director of the National Hospitals Office intends to have a hygiene audit of hospitals carried out this summer by external consultants. The results of the audit are expected to inform the national standards for infection control and cleaning.