Hospital chiefs say overcrowding is causing MRSA hazard
The chief executives of Dublin's five main hospitals have reportedly warned the Government that ongoing overcrowding is causing an MRSA hazard.
Reports this morning said the officials had made a submission to Minister for Health Mary Harney warning that improvements in hygiene would not be enough to tackle the spread of MRSA.
The submission reportedly said additional state investment would also be needed to improve ward facilities and reduce overcrowding.
Ms Harney has been severely critical of poor hygiene standards in Irish hospitals, blaming them for the spread of MRSA and other so-called "superbugs".
At least 8,000 patients in Irish public hospitals tested positive for a range of such illnesses in 2004.
