Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 13 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 October 2003. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many investigations by the Health and Safety Executive there have been into infections in NHS hospitals in each of the past five years. - Includes figures.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many investigations by the Health and Safety Executive there have been into infections in NHS hospitals in each of the past five years. [132307] Mr. Browne: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has investigated the following numbers of reportable infections to staff in NHS hospitals over the last five years: 1998-99--8 1999-2000--10 2000-01--10 2001-02--3 2002-03--7. With very few exceptions, infections to patients do not have to be reported to HSE. HSE has investigated some such cases, for example as a result of complaints or outbreaks affecting both staff and patients. The number of these investigations is not readily obtainable, but is likely to be fewer than the above figures.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 132307; 412 c205-7W;412 c213-5W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Hospitals Health and Safety Executive Infectious diseases NHS MRSA
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk