TELEVISION news reported that in 1990 the infection rates for superbug MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) were two per cent.
Nowadays, the report said, infection rates are 45 per cent. In 1990 York Area Health Authority privatised hospital cleaning services, and one assumes that the infection rates of MRSA have increased since privatisation.
Would it not be better to unprivatise the cleaning services to reintroduce the cleaners to the employment disciplinary hierarchy?
In the old days one hospital matron set the cleanliness standards and their demands, though often exacting, ensured hospital-related infections were kept to a minimum.
If a cleaner could not maintain standards he or she could be dealt with accordingly.
Hospitals cannot run without their cleaners. Their work is essential on wards, in theatre, toilets and public areas.
They need better rates of pay, better training to understand their responsibilities and importance and deserve more respect from all involved.
Richard Thompson,
Swann Street, York.
Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, September 07, 2004
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