Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what training is given to NHS staff in (a) the cleanliness of hospitals and (b) preventing infections; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to "Standards for environmental cleanliness in hospitals". (Holding answer 9 February 2001).

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training is given to NHS staff in (a) the cleanliness of hospitals and (b) preventing infections; and if he will make a statement. [149764] Mr. Denham: [holding answer 9 February 2001]: Last year, to help ensure that all National Health Service domestic and service staff receive appropriate training, we issued "Standards for environmental cleanliness in hospitals" jointly with the Infection Control Nurses' Association and the Association of Domestic Management. This is an effective audit tool that sets out how environmental cleanliness standards are maintained. It contains detailed criteria relating to the education and training of staff involved in the cleaning process, which ensure that they possess the competencies to meet agreed hygiene standards. All staff, including those employed by support services shall receive training in prevention and control of infection. There is also a programme of on-going education for existing staff, which includes updating on policies, feedback of audit results, and identification of action needed to correct any deficiencies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 149764; 364 c590W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Hospitals Hygiene Infectious diseases NHS Standards Training Infection Control Nurses Association
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk