Gardiner gets promise from Health Minister to prevent Spread of Infection by looking at Public Access to Hospitals
Sam Gardiner MLA, Ulster Unionist Assemblyman for Upper Bann, has called for a review of hospital visiting hours to reduce the spread of infections.
Speaking in the Assembly Mr Gardiner asked Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to look at this issue following meetings he has had with the Chief Executive of Craigavon Area Hospital. Mr Gardiner had previously raised the issue of MRSA related deaths in Craigavon.
Responding, Minister McGimpsey said :
“The report from the second audit of environmental-cleanliness standards will be an important next step in considering areas in which we can ensure that improvements are made. One such area is regulating visiting and the movement of the public in hospitals, which are often like public thoroughfares. A return to some of the old standards regarding visiting hours and ensuring that only those with business in the wards should be there is an important function that must be looked at, and I will certainly do so.”
Mr Gardiner commented :
“Before my intervention in the Assembly, I had already had a very helpful and constructive meeting with the Minister. We must explore ways in which real and practical solutions can be found to the win scourges of MRSA and C difficle. I will be leading a team of Assembly members to a meeting with the Chief Executive of Craigavon Area Hospital in the near future.”
“I will be giving details of our discussions to the press soon afterwards.”