Alliance calls for review into hospital cleaning following bug deaths revelation

10.07.00am GMT Wed 23rd Jan 2008

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has called for a full review of cleaning procedures in the NHS, and has called on the Health Minister to consider deep cleaning hospitals to prevent the spread of superbugs. His comments come as news emerged that 16 people died as a result of C.Difficile, which is linked to hospitals in the Northern Trust area in the last six months.

The Strangford MLA said: "These revelations are absolutely devastating. The Health Minister must take the measures necessary to alleviate fears that local people have. It is vital that the public can be totally confident in the NHS.

"The Minister must consider instituting a full review into cleaning procedures and look into conducting deep cleaning in our hospitals. Our hospital staff do a great job but need more support in fighting superbugs.

"My thoughts are with the families of people who have lost a relative because of C.Difficile.

"The Health Minister must make efficiencies in administration and re-allocate this cash to tackling superbugs. Resources must be targeted on making our hospitals cleaner. We need sustainable public services that people can have full confidence in. I want to see action, not words from the Minister."

ENDS