SUPERBUG STRIKES PATIENTS AT NORTH MIDDLESEX

8.10.02

The Liberal Democrats have called for urgent action after the release of new figures showing that North Middlesex Hospital is the worst for superbug infections in the whole country. The MRSA superbug is so named because of its ability to withstand many antibiotics and to kill in hours.

MRSA infections are caused by poor hygiene in hospitals and the bug can be spread by doctors and nurses failing to wash their hands between treating patients or by the failure to clean curtains, carpets or bedding properly. More than 100 people a month are infected with MRSA whilst being treated in London hospitals, with the North Middlesex having the highest infection rate not just in London but in the whole country.

Cllr Wayne Hoban, Lib Dem health spokesperson on Haringey Council, comments:

"I am very concerned that North Middlesex is performing so badly compared to other hospitals. The fact that the rate of MRSA infections isn't falling shows how previous promises from Labour to clean up our hospitals haven't been kept."

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem health spokesperson on the London Assembly, comments:

"London now has more hospital infections than any other party of the country. We need swift and effective action to clean up our hospitals. Hospitals should be where people go to solve their health problems, not somewhere they can go and pick up a deadly infection."

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