[lettie]

I wholeheartedly agree with Margaret although I don't say that I'm on the sharp end (what I do say still begins with 'sh' though) We have had the MRSA discussion on here before and it is due to a combination of factors.
Private cleaning services, too few cleaners for too many clinical areas.
Not screening patients before planned operations (although that wouldn't be possible for emergencies)
The vast amount of visitors and general disrespect of the building (spitting and peeing in the lifts etc.) Yes......They do this!!!!!
Poor handwashing practices..... Doctors have been shown to be the worst culprits. It seems the higher up you get, the more naturally sterile you become Sparks can vouch that my hands are a real mess from the constant handwashing, this is a problem which will never be cured as long as I still work there, and they are damn sore.

Lastly meeting targets and provision of new services takes staff away from clinical areas. We are treating more patients than ever, yet, beds have been cut, staff numbers are low in all areas (especially acute areas). If you are constantly rushed off you feet with emergencies, routine stuff, policing visitors, paperwork and telephone enquiries, how on Earth can you manage to do the cleaning up as well. On a 22 bedded maternity ward, there may only be 2 midwives working on one shift, with no support staff. That is looking after 22 mums and 22 babies. There are not enough hours in the day.