HEALTHCARE COMMISSION PERFORMANCE RATINGS – UNISON REACTION

UNDER EMBARGO: 00.01 THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER 2007

Commenting on the NHS Performance Ratings 2007 released by the Healthcare Commission today (18 October), Karen Jennings, Head of Health for UNISON, the UK's largest health union, said:
 
“NHS staff should be congratulated for their hard work and dedication in delivering an improved performance across Trusts in England.  This is remarkable given that staff have had to struggle against the odds, because of the impact of deficits, job cuts and reorganisations.
 
“UNISON welcomes the Healthcare Commission's pledge to take tough action over healthcare associated infections.  It's clear that when it comes to C-difficile, MRSA, and hospital acquired infections, we are fast becoming the superbug capital of Europe – a situation we must stamp out.
 
“We need a range of measures to help protect the public. Screening, staff training and regular inspections are all vital. Trusts should make hospital cleaning a priority with cleaners part of the infection control team.  Patients' confidence will be boosted if they see spotlessly clean wards and regular cleaning.  That cannot be achieved until Trusts realise that they need to employ enough well equipped and well trained staff to do the job properly.â€