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Lancet slams hospital bug plan
Politicians should follow evidence not public opinion when it comes to tackling hospital bugs, doctors have argued.
The government's latest plans to tackle hospital infections, announced earlier this week, are criticised in an editorial in The Lancet medical journal. Responding to proposals for a 'deep-clean' of all hospitals, the editorial says that 'disinfection of high-touch surfaces is what is needed, more so than removing visible dirt'.
Regarding the proposed ban on long sleeves and watches, the editorial points to the conclusions of the Department of Health's own report, that 'there is no conclusive evidence that uniforms (or other work clothes) pose a significant hazard in terms of spreading infection'.
The Lancet suggests that the NHS would be better off making sure that doctors, nurses and visitors wash their hands properly. 'The public understandably wants clean wards and crisp uniforms, but politicians must stop pandering to populism about hospital cleanliness and listen to the evidence.'
Category: Healthcare
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