GUILDFORD MP CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OF ROYAL SURREY SUPERBUG ALLEGATIONS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th May 2004

Commenting on today's report in the Evening Standard alleging malpractice and dangerous levels of the 'superbug' MRSA at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford MP, Sue Doughty, said:

"The report has raised important concerns. There is a disagreement between the Standard and the hospital over the newspaper's claim that the Royal Surrey is 'in the grip of the superbug'. It is vital that my constituents have clear reliable information on this matter. I will be asking the Government's Health Protection Agency to carry out an independent check on the Evening Standard's test results and investigate the hospital's processes for collecting information."

"The Royal Surrey has made significant improvements since receiving its zero star rating. I believe they are heading in the right direction and I have been in regular contact with the hospital's management to ensure that people in Guildford can be confident that they will receive a high standard of treatment in the Royal Surrey."

Sue will also ask for a review of the Trust's arrangements for the induction of new staff. She said:

"It is essential that all new staff receive they training they need in the work they need to do. Important questions have been raised about infection control, safe lifting of patients, and management of gas cylinders. We need to know that staff are equipped to do the job."