Menu
19/10/2004
Hospital cleanliness is top priority, says health secretary
The top priority for the NHS's new chief nursing officer will be to tackle hospital cleanliness, MRSA and other hospital infections, Health secretary John Reid has said.
The health secretary was speaking on the day that the new Matron's Charter was launched – a "no nonsense" guide setting out how senior nurses should set hygiene standards.
It sets out the demands each matron will make of her ward staff to ensure a culture of cleanliness. This will include ensuring all staff receive training in infection control and withhold payment for cleaning services that fail to come up to scratch.
England's new chief nursing officer, Chris Beasley, has been told by the health secretary that her first concern must be to "ensure all NHS hospitals come up to the standards of the best" when it comes to cleanliness and infection control.
Mr Reid added: "Everyone has a role to play - hospital cleaners are as important as consultants when it comes to these issues. Nurses, doctors and other staff are in the front line of this struggle, and I am determined hospital managers and my department give them the support they need."
Chris Beasley said: "Matrons must lead by example and by making changes when things aren't up to scratch. This charter gives a common sense approach to improving the environment in hospitals."
The Matron's Charter: An Action Plan for Cleaner Hospitals was drawn up by the Department of Health working with the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives, Infection Control Nurses Association, Hospital Infection Society, Healthcare Facilities Management Association, Association of Domestic Managers, and Unison.
(gmcg/mb)
The health secretary was speaking on the day that the new Matron's Charter was launched – a "no nonsense" guide setting out how senior nurses should set hygiene standards.
It sets out the demands each matron will make of her ward staff to ensure a culture of cleanliness. This will include ensuring all staff receive training in infection control and withhold payment for cleaning services that fail to come up to scratch.
England's new chief nursing officer, Chris Beasley, has been told by the health secretary that her first concern must be to "ensure all NHS hospitals come up to the standards of the best" when it comes to cleanliness and infection control.
Mr Reid added: "Everyone has a role to play - hospital cleaners are as important as consultants when it comes to these issues. Nurses, doctors and other staff are in the front line of this struggle, and I am determined hospital managers and my department give them the support they need."
Chris Beasley said: "Matrons must lead by example and by making changes when things aren't up to scratch. This charter gives a common sense approach to improving the environment in hospitals."
The Matron's Charter: An Action Plan for Cleaner Hospitals was drawn up by the Department of Health working with the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives, Infection Control Nurses Association, Hospital Infection Society, Healthcare Facilities Management Association, Association of Domestic Managers, and Unison.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2004
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
14 August 2008
Mental Hospital Patients Recaptured
Two psychiatric hospital patients have been recaptured, having escaped and been at large for for nearly 24 hours. Terry Powell, 35, of Cornwall, and Jason Lord, 23, of Devon, fled from a wing at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish on Tuesday night at about 11pm.
Mental Hospital Patients Recaptured
Two psychiatric hospital patients have been recaptured, having escaped and been at large for for nearly 24 hours. Terry Powell, 35, of Cornwall, and Jason Lord, 23, of Devon, fled from a wing at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish on Tuesday night at about 11pm.
18 July 2006
NHS charges branded "a mess"
The system of National Health Service charges has been branded "a mess" by a committee of MPs. The Commons Health Select Committee called for a review of the system, which covers prescription and eye test costs, dental care, parking fees and phone costs.
NHS charges branded "a mess"
The system of National Health Service charges has been branded "a mess" by a committee of MPs. The Commons Health Select Committee called for a review of the system, which covers prescription and eye test costs, dental care, parking fees and phone costs.
15 June 2005
Inquiry ordered into hospital bug
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has ordered an inquiry into the outbreak of a potentially deadly bug at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
Inquiry ordered into hospital bug
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has ordered an inquiry into the outbreak of a potentially deadly bug at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
