Consumers Fear Dirty NHS Hospitals

The 2008 BUPA Health of the Nation Survey uncovered that cleanliness is top of the list of concerns for consumers. 73% of those surveyed cited this as a reason for taking out private medical insurance. This figure was up 8% from their 2007 survey.

In May, another poll by Saga Private Medical Insurance found that over two thirds of people were worried about levels of hygiene and 66% were afraid of catching an infection, including MRSA, while in hospital.

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococus Aureus) is a bacterium that is found in the nose of approximately 30% of the population. It colonises the nose and occasionally the skin, usually causing no ill effects to the individual. However, if it enters the body tissues it can cause infections such as boils and wound infections. Sometimes this bacterium is resistant to commonly used antibiotics. (information taken from AMII)

According to the AMII the chances of contracting MRSA in an NHS hospital are 30 times greater than in a private sector environment and that the reason for this is better hygiene management. Rates of MRSA fatalities have increased from 51 reported cases in 1993 to 1,652 deaths in 2006.
The NHS website provides advice on how to avoid MRSA for patients and visitors.