Vince Cable

An NHS report, which lists Kingston Hospital as the third most affected hospital by MRSA, has produced strong local reaction. The hospital has however argued that the latest (six monthly figures Apr-Sept 05) were exceptional and that the position has since improved.

Vincent Cable said that "he was very disappointed by the figures which raise doubts over standards of hygiene and infection control. Kingston hospital has had a generally high reputation amongst local residents and it must restore confidence quickly."

"There is no longer any excuse for hospitals to have poor standards in this area. The problem has been widely known and debated for the last five years at least. Clear guidance has been given to hospitals as to how to maintain high standards of cleanliness yet in some hospitals the position is getting worse not better. It is possible however that hospitals are under such financial pressure from the government to use beds intensively that standards are not being maintained".