Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether the wearing of loose clothing by healthcare workers in hospital environments, including neck ties and white coats constitute a risk to hospital acquired infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/13]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he and or the Health Service Executive will consider introducing policies that limit the wearing of neckties and white coats in public hospitals in order to assist in curbing the spread of hospital acquired infections; if he has considered a national standard of bare below the elbow for health care workers in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2130/13]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he and or the Health Service Executive have examined the practices and policies of other jurisdictions as they pertain to clothing standards of health professionals in hospital environments which are aimed at minimising the spread of hospital acquired infections; if he is satisfied that standards and practices in place here conform with best international practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 205, inclusive, together.

The prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare associated infection (HCAI) is a key priority for my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has established a National Clinic Programme focusing on the prevention of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. There is a comprehensive programme of work underway to continue to improve infection control performance and to measure compliance with national infection prevention and control standards. In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in these matters.