CSSA welcomes NHS performance report

The Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) has welcomed the publication of the Care Quality Commission’s report on NHS Performance ratings 2008/09.

Speaking following publication, the CSSA chief executive, Andrew Large, said: “The CSSA welcomes the publication of this report. We are especially pleased that the hard work that the NHS and cleaning contractors have put in is reflected in a one third reduction in the rate of C.Diff and MRSA infections and a 5% rise in compliance with standard C04a, which refers to the reduction of the risk of healthcare associated infections.”

However, the CSSA believes that it remains unacceptable that compliance with C04a is not at 100% in view of its importance to the reduction of infections.
Andrew Large added: “This is no time for complacency in the management of cleaning in the NHS. While good results have been achieved, the need to reduce the UK public debt must not be used as an excuse for cutting cleaning budgets. This would be counter-productive and put thousands of lives at risk. If Trusts have concerns about their ability to provide a good cleaning service under still greater budgetary constraints then I would urge them to contact the CSSA and to share in the best practice that CSSA members have developed over a number of years in this field. CSSA members can advise on innovative cleaning methods and management approaches that can enable Trusts to continue to provide a high standard of infection control within challenging financial conditions.”

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