McCarthy says deep cleaning is essential to maintain confidence in hospitals

10.02.00am GMT Thu 7th Feb 2008

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that the Health Minister must order deep cleaning in hospitals with cases of C. Diffice, to strengthen public confidence in our hospitals. His comments come as more revelations emerge about C. Difficile in hospitals.

The Strangford MLA said: "Its time that the Minister ordered the deep cleaning of the hospitals affected by C. Difficile.

"It is vitally important that public confidence in our health service can be maintained. Michael McGimpsey must act quickly and decisively.

"Our hospital staff do an excellent job under difficult circumstances, but they need more support from the Minister to let them do their job in the cleanest conditions possible.

"The Minister must fund the deep cleaning and changes needed in cleaning protocol now by looking to make efficiencies in health service bureaucracy in the long-term.

"This is the biggest test facing our Health Minister. It is a test that he must pass in order to maintain people's confidence in our health service. However, he can only pass this test if he acts quickly and with conviction."

ENDS