Commission launched to control hospital infections

Wednesday, 24 October 2007 12:00 AM

A new regulator designed to control infections in the NHS has been announced by the health secretary, Alan Johnson.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will work with both the NHS and adult social care services with the aim of cutting healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), among patients.

HCAIs have been in the news recently, following a report into an outbreak of Clostridium Difficile at three hospitals run by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust was released in recent weeks.

The new CQC will work to strengthen the existing monitoring systems in UK hospitals, and will have the power to carry out annual infection control inspections at all hospitals.

If high rates of HCAIs are detected the new body will have the power to step up inspections and close wards if necessary.

Mr Johnson said: "Despite progress, tackling infection remains a challenge for the NHS.

"I am determined that we will take action where necessary to safeguard patients and ensure staff feel able to report concerns.

"The regulator will have tougher powers to inspect and even close wards in order to protect patients and service users. NHS staff - such as matrons, nurses and porters - who spend every day on the wards, need to feel able to report concerns to the new regulator."

The new service will control standards of care in both the private and public sectors, with the aim of reducing the administrative burden on frontline services.

A range of sanctions are available to the CQC in order to ensure standards are maintained, including fining service providers, issuing early warning notices and eventually closing services down.

Mr Johnson continued: "The CQC will ensure that all patients receive a safe and quality service, no matter what part of the system they are accessing, and at which point."

The announcement follows promises made by Gordon Brown at the Labour conference earlier this year to reduce the prevalence of inflections such as MRSA and C-diff on hospital wards.

Mr Brown said at the time: "We will more than double the number of hospital matrons to 5,000. We will give matrons and ward sisters in all 10,000 wards the powers to report cleaning contractors and safety concerns directly to hospital boards and a stronger health care commission."

The proposals to create the new regulator are included in the Department of Health's response to the consultation The future regulation of health and adult social care in England.

The powers of the Care Quality Commission will be included in the new Health and Social Care Bill, due to be introduced in parliament this year.

Serious about politics?

City University London

Dedicate one year of your life to getting to the heart of current issues in global politics. Our courses allow you to specialise in development and policy-making, international relations, and political journalism and communications.

Special event coverage

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge

Newsletter sign up

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Unsubscribe