“Get behind Clean Hospital Summit” call as patient pressure rises

Britain’s hospital patients, led by Claire Rayner, today called for healthcare professionals to get behind the UK’s first ever Clean Hospitals Summit, planned for April 14-15, 2005.

Claire, a former senior Sister, and a recent sufferer of MRSA, said it was "essential" for good representation, or the public would wonder if the industry was concerned at all.

The combined conference and exhibition in The Hilton London Metropole, will be run by the Patients Association, of which Claire is President. It will bring together delegates from all areas of the NHS, industry, and concerned public organisations. It aims to establish real and practical solutions to address hospital acquired infections, including MRSA.

Claire will chair the event, with speakers including Sir Nigel Crisp, NHS Chief Executive, Christine Beasley, Chief Nursing Officer, Lord Warner, Under Secretary of State for Health, and Paul Cryer, Head of Hospitality Services, NHS Estates.

It will explore a range of issues affecting the safety of patients, including hospital cleaning; hand-washing; the use of antibiotics; decontamination issues; the physical environment of hospitals; disinfectants; sterile barriers; sharing and introducing good practice; and technologies.

Claire Rayner said: "Clearly, something has to be done, with a problem which kills at least 5000 people per annum – the equivalent of a fully laden 747 crashing once a month – and in which the young and old are most vulnerable.

"The event will harness Britain’s top brains in the NHS and industry to lead to positive and practical solutions, and provide a platform for people to stand up and offer their own suggestions.

"...And it’s essential that healthcare professionals are well represented – not just to participate, and bring their expertise, but to be seen to be doing it, so we can get real action afterwards, and demonstrate the commitment to the patients of the UK."


Tickets can be booked by phoning 01425 485040 or e-mail jill@cemgroup.com

The website is www.cleanerhospitals.co.uk