Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken to combat the threat of MRSA at hospitals or health centres; if instructions have been given in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29523/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The prevention and control of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA, is a priority issue for the Health Service Executive. Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital acquired infections, including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA.

The Health Service Executive has published guidelines on hand hygiene and guidelines on the control of MRSA for hospital and community settings. These significant documents give clear policy and practice guidance to health care workers on the control of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA. Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective measures that can be used to stop the spread of MRSA and other infections.

The national hygiene audit has been completed and a report has been sent to the director of the national hospitals office. The results of the audit will form the basis for the changes that are required in both work environments and work practices so as to meet the highest possible standards of cleanliness in hospital settings. As I have already promised, the results of the hygiene audit will be made public.

The Health Service Executive will also publish national infection control standards and national cleaning standards — a consistent and robust set of hygiene standards for hospitals. Where previously standards may have depended on the approach of a particular hospital or health board, the Health Service Executive can now ensure every hospital will share and meet the same high standards of cleanliness and infection control.