Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that there is adequate provision for the isolation of patients who are a risk to other patients due to infection; the general provision of single rooms in acute hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29961/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Tackling HCAIs, including MRSA is a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE has established a National Infection Control Action Plan. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next three to five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. These targets will be achieved through the development of national and local level action plans to reduce the potential for spread of infections between persons in health care settings, and, in addition, will focus on reducing antibiotic use in Ireland. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

The availability of isolation facilities is an important factor in the overall solution to this issue. I have already agreed with the HSE that designated private beds should be used where such facilities are required for patients who contract MRSA and this policy has been adopted by the HSE. The need generally for more isolation facilities for infection control purposes has already been taken into account in the planning of new buildings in recent years. In addition, new environmental building guidelines are being prepared by the HSE to inform infection control policy in all future new builds and refurbishments.