Zero tolerance needed on superbugs

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 15th Dec 2004

The Government must adopt a search and destroy approach to tackling superbugs, the Liberal Democrats said today as a major conference on tackling hospital-acquired infections like MRSA is taking place in London.

The conference coincides with the announcement that a British researcher, from the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, has developed a new test that should help doctors identify superbugs more quickly.

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"The Government talks tough on superbugs but its record on tackling hospital infections is sadly lacking. The Government has to adopt a zero tolerance on poor hygiene and a search and destroy approach to tackling superbugs with robust screening and isolation.

"A succession of announcements, stunts and gimmicks has failed to reverse the rising tide of infections. It's high time the Government stopped the dither and delay over these tests and got on with taking the steps that will clean up our wards."