Free frontline staff to get on with job of treating patients

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st Feb 2005

Commenting on the results of the Healthcare Commission's survey of experiences in NHS casualty and outpatient wards, Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"This survey confirms the growing public disquiet regarding the Government's performance on hospital cleanliness. 

"It is clear that the NHS still has a long way to go in establishing a zero tolerance culture towards dirty hospitals and hospital infections. 

"The survey also reveals that frontline staff have the trust and respect of patients. Ministers should take this as a signal that it is time to stop tying the hands of doctors and nurses in red tape, end the target culture and trust frontline staff to get on with the job of treating patients."