Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the criticisms from the vice president of the Irish medical organisations in relation to the second forthcoming hygiene audit of hospitals, which included concerns that same was a waste of money; her views on such criticisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3025/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Robust infection control measures and improved hospital hygiene have been identified as key actions required to control the spread of health care associated infections, HCAIs. To assess the extent of good hygiene practices in hospitals the first ever national hygiene audit of acute hospitals was carried out last year. The results of the first hygiene 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. The HSE has decided to repeat the national audit commencing next month in order to assess the extent of the improvements made at hospital level since the inspections last year.

I do not accept the criticism about the second audit. There can be no possible excuse on medical or administrative grounds for now suspending the hygiene audit. Staff in hospitals around the country are working hard to improve hygiene standards. It would be unfair to both patients and staff to suspend the hygiene audit. Now that a certain momentum has been created to tackle hospital hygiene it is reasonable to measure the improvements made and to identify areas where further actions may be necessary.