C. diff infections have already been responsible for too many tragedies. The BBC's research shows that extra investment in day-to-day cleaning and hygiene resources is required if hospital staff are to manage infected patients in a clean and dignified manner and prevent the further spread of disease.

The BBC's research showed that many hospitals in the UK are battling c. diff and that while some are doing well in areas such as hand hygiene, patient isolation and bed occupancy - other are struggling.

C. diff has for too long been ignored, despite the fact that it infects and kills many more patients than MRSA. I call on the Government to increase its investment in research into c. diff so that it can be combated more effectively.

"Recent events have also shown that front line staffing must be sufficient to provide for a sanitised and dignified patient environment. The Government must provide the resources necessary for each NHS Trust to recruit more cleaning and nursing staff so that these conditions can be maintained throughout the Health Service.

If your readers would like to know more about the benefits that the Association can bring to their business or are interested in becoming a member of the CSSA, they can either contact me direct or visit our website.

Kind regards,

Andrew Large, Director General, Cleaning & Support Services Association
T: 0207 920 9632
E: alarge@cleaningassoc.org
W: www.cleaningindustry.org

*You can access the programme using this link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/programmes/panorama/default.stm


1st May 2008