Written question asked by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action he is taking to improve the training of care home staff in regard to tackling MRSA.

Answer: Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve the training of care home staff in regard to tackling MRSA. [204610] Dr. Ladyman: Under the Care Homes Regulations, care home providers are required to ensure that at all times suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff are working in the care home. These persons should receive training appropriate to their work and that is why infection control is detailed in the induction standards set by Topss England and should be used by all new staff and those taking national vocational qualifications. The Commission for Social Care Inspection inspects care homes at least twice a year to ensure they conform to the regulations and further advice on infection control training is available from specialists in primary care trusts and local health protection units.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 204610; 428 c1665W;428 c1663W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Care homes Disease control Hygiene Infectious diseases Qualifications MRSA Training
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk