EPIC2 GUIDELINES AND THE PATIENTS ASSOCIATION

That this House warmly welcomes the updated National Evidence-based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England 2007, EPIC2, commissioned by the Department of Health; recognises that bloodstream/surgical site infections are often caused by bacteria already present on the patient's skin and that hand washing by nurses and doctors is not sufficient to tackle these infections; welcomes the enormous efforts by the Patients' Association to highlight the importance of infection control best practice to protect patients in the UK; and urges the Government to ensure swift implementation of the new guidelines to help tackle healthcare-acquired infection in the UK.