Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Hospital hygiene is essential for the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff alike. It is a priority for me and I believe that patients are entitled to the highest possible hygiene standards in our hospitals.

In recent years the HSE has significantly improved its range and standard of hygiene services as part of its National Infection Control Plan. I welcome the fact that some hospitals are now providing a 24/7 cleaning service in specific areas such as Accident and Emergency Departments. There have also been increased internal hygiene audits and other quality improvements. Additional hospital beds or units have been opened and new contract cleaning specifications have been set to take account of national hygiene guidelines. Some hospitals required new additional cleaning equipment, products and hygiene signage. Funding has also been allocated to rectify some of the deficits identified in the national hygiene audits particularly in terms of infrastructural deficits e.g. dedicated waste compounds and renovating ward kitchens. Finally, some of the increase in the cleaning bill is attributable to the rising costs of materials and staff salaries.

I am pleased that the HSE is allocating more funding to improve hospital hygiene. Safe, quality care is also cost effective care. I also expect the HSE to plan its cleaning services, through contract arrangements or otherwise, to ensure the best and most efficient cleaning services at a reasonable cost.