'Superbug' wards get clean bill of health

by BEEZY MARSH, Daily Mail

Hospitals which were judged as having 'excellent' standards of hygiene have some of the highest rates of MRSA infection, it has emerged.

Thirteen of the top 20 general hospital NHS trusts with the worst rates of infection were given 'green' under the Department of Health's traffic light grading system for cleanliness.

None of the 20 was given a 'red' light - which means a hazard to patients.

Shockingly, the hospital with the worst rates of the superbug in England was graded 'green'.

About 5,000 patients every year die of infections picked up in hospital, many from MRSA, which can be spread by poor hygiene.

Research by the Tories revealed the huge disparity between Department of Health Cleanliness Ratings for 2002 and last year's MRSA league.

North Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust came top of the league for MRSA infection rates. But it was also awarded a 'green' cleanliness rating by the Department of Health.

Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: 'Patients will think it is outrageous that hospitals with the highest infection rates should be given top marks for cleanliness. It is absurd,'

Paul Burstow, Lib Dem health spokesman for older people, who carried out a similar study, said: 'Patients are being sold a false sense of security. This Government is failing to get to grips with MRSA.'

The Department of Health said the cleanliness ratings looked at issues other than hygiene - such as the state of grounds, condition of furniture and linen.

A spokesman said: 'MRSA is not just about dirty wards. It can be rife in the cleanest of hospitals.'

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