Laundry rules for nurses possible

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The role of ward sisters could be expanded as part of the drive to reduce infections in hospitals in Wales.

Nursing staff could also be advised on laundering their uniforms at home, as part of proposals being looked at.

Health minister Edwina Hart said the evidence to link nurses' uniforms with infection was "not conclusive but the public believes there is a risk."

GPs surgeries, nursing homes and dental practices will also have to put in place infection control measures.

Ms Hart said a working group of health professonals would look at whether on-site changing facilities should be re-introduced in hospitals and how best to launder their uniforms at home.

"Controlling the spread of infection can only be achieved if all healthcare workers play their part," she said.

The latest announcement follows the minister ordering spot-checks at two NHS hospitals in a crackdown by hygiene teams.

A report last week by the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) also identified several areas of concern, including "inadequate domestic cleaning hours" after investigations at five NHS hospitals.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has welcomed the increased measures in addressing infection rates.

Tina Donnelly, director of RCN Wales, said the organisation was glad of "the recognition that superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium Difficile exist within the wider community and not just in the hospital".

'Important task'

"We particularly welcome the fact that healthcare environments beyond the hospital are being tasked with the responsibility of addressing infection rates.

"We want to see all healthcare professionals in all healthcare settings joining with nurses in this important task," Ms Donnelly added.

The assembly government said incidences of infections have been steadily falling as a result of increased awareness and stricter hand washing and hygiene measures in hospitals.

Ms Hart said the task groups being set up would consider "enhancing and expanding the role of hospital ward sisters to have, among other things, more power to improve ward cleanliness".

Reducing infections

The strategy aims to ensure reducing the risk of spreading infections such as influenza, Norovirus, MRSA and Clostridium Difficile and suggests:

<li>All healthcare staff should understand the impact of infection and to recognise their role in reducing infections</li>

<li>Patients should be treated in environments that minimise the risk of infection</li>

<li>Organisations should develop an audit programme of infections to inform the development of an infection control programme</li>

<li>Minimising infections should be part of a management plan</li>

<li>Organisations should have systems to ensure effective recording, analysis, sharing and access to their own data</li>

The proposals come following a commitment to improve hospital cleanliness in the One Wales document put together by Labour and Plaid Cymru which forms the basis of their assembly government coalition.