NHS 'Deep Cleans'

NHS 'deep cleans' to be completed by March 2008

Health Secretary Alan Johnson has set a target of March 2008 for all NHS hospitals to have completed their deep cleaning programme.

Deep cleaning is part of a package of measures that aims to tackle healthcare-associated infections and ensure patient safety.

Johnson said all NHS Trusts must submit detailed deep clean plans, including costs, to their primary care trusts and strategic health authorities (SHAs). SHAs have been allocated funding by the government so that hospitals can start carrying out deep cleans this winter.

Foundation trusts will be invited to agree plans and funding for additional deep cleaning with local commissioners, together with local arrangements for checking the agreed work has been carried out.  

"People want an NHS that is clean and safe, the deep clean programme will help to reassure patients and build public confidence in the NHS," said Johnson.

Health Insurance & Protection.com