McCarthy says hygiene must be priority after closure of City Hospital unit

9.59.47am GMT Wed 25th Jul 2007

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has stated that the Health Minister must ensure that hygiene is a priority within the health service following the temporary closure of the Intensive care Unit at Belfast City Hospital after two patients were found to have a bacterial infection. The unit will re-open tomorrow with a deep clean of the unit currently under way.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy said: "The Health Minister must put hygiene in our hospitals and clinics at the top of the agenda.

"There must to be vigilance amongst our healthcare professionals against the spread of bacterial. The need for all staff to follow strict hygiene protocol is of paramount importance.

"There should be no scaremongering on this issue; however awareness must be raised on the issue of preventing infection. Michael McGimpsey must ensure that hygiene protocol is rigorously adhered to.

"The City Hospital has however acted quickly to prevent and spread of bacteria and I would like to take this opportunity to praise the work of all our local healthcare staff."

ENDS