Written question asked by John Austin (Labour) on Monday, 7 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 July 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the impact of the architecture, physical construction and design of hospitals on preventing the spread of micro-organisms between wards and within wards; and if he will make a statement; what research he has recently assessed on the effects of the architecture, physical construction and design of hospitals in preventing the spread of micro-organisms between wards and within wards; and if this research has been published.

Answer: John Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the architecture, physical construction and design of hospitals on preventing the spread of micro-organisms between wards and within wards; and if he will make a statement; [124903] (2) what research he has recently assessed on the effects of the architecture, physical construction and design of hospitals in preventing the spread of micro- organisms between wards and within wards; and if this research has been published. [124904] Miss Melanie Johnson: Many factors influence infection control. Current standards already require prevention and control of infection to be considered when planning engineering and building works. The Chief Medical Officer is spearheading a new Government drive to tackle healthcare associated infections; especially those acquired in hospitals. A long-term strategy to prevent and reduce infections in the National Health Service will be published in the autumn. NHS Estates has funded a number of studies in this area. Those which have been completed are available from the NHS Estates website at www.nhsestates. gov.uk.

Secondary information