Oral answer to question provided on Wednesday, 30 November 2005 in the House of Lords, by Lord Warner (Labour).

MRSA

Answer: My Lords, I entirely agree with my noble friend’s concerns about the laboratory in question and the uncritical acceptance of its results by parts of the media. The main source of the misleading information in the media is Chemsol, which is run by a person who is not qualified in microbiology, is not a member of a recognised professional body and whose so-called laboratory does not meet UK accreditation standards. The methods used in this laboratory do not distinguish between harmless bacteria found on the skin and the potentially harmful MRSA.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Wednesday, 30 November 2005 by Baroness Pitkeathley (Labour).

Question: My Lords, I thank my noble friend that helpful reply. Does he agree that the continued use of one particular laboratory which has questionable qualifications and results by the tabloid press shows more interest in criticising the NHS than in reporting the facts? Is he further concerned that this particular laboratory appears to derive most of its income from selling disinfectants to combat MRSA and thus might perhaps be seen to have a vested interest in achieving positive results?

Secondary information