Health survey shows mixed results for Hertfordshire

Anne Main has today reacted to a report from the Healthcare Commission which shows mixed results for Hertfordshire.

Anne Main, MP for St Albans, has today reacted to a report from the Healthcare Commission which shows mixed results for Hertfordshire.

The survey shows that East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has failed to meet two out of three of the Commission's hygiene standards. Conversely, West Herts PCT and East and North Herts PCT are placed in the top three most improved Trusts surveyed, both showing a 43% improvement in the number of key standards met since last year.

Anne said:

"These results are clearly a mixed bag for Hertfordshire. It is disappointing that East and North Herts NHS Trust is failing to meet the required standards in hospital cleanliness. Hospital acquired infections and hygiene are key worries for patients, and from these results it appears that this is still an issue in Hertfordshire. People need to have confidence over cleanliness in hospitals.

However, it is also important to note that there have been some major improvements. The positive change in the results from the local Primary Care Trusts shows what can be done in our local health services to enhance standards.

Last year these Primary Care Trusts were languishing at the bottom of league tables with "weak" ratings and now are meeting 95% of key standards. Whilst I know there were some teething problems following the formation of the Trusts last year, this is undoubtedly a huge improvement, and is a testament to the work of Trust staff.""