Harney: Hospital hygiene standards unacceptable
The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has described hygiene standards in Irish hospitals as unacceptable.
Ms Harney was speaking at a conference on hospital hygiene in Dublin today arranged by the Irish Patients' Association.
She said it was incumbent on every hospital to ensure that cleanliness is improved, particularly in relation to hand-washing, which is regarded as vital to tackling the spread of illnesses like MRSA.
Ms Harney also suggested that hospitals should consider restricting visiting hours in an effort to improve hygiene.
A recent audit found that just 9% of Irish hospitals meet basis standards of cleanliness and hygiene, with the other 91% falling short of the mark.
