NHS Staff Survey Shows Significant Improvement In Hospital Infection Control, UK

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 09 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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NHS staff report improvements in infection control, support from managers and high levels of job satisfaction and training opportunities

NHS staff are reporting significant improvements in hand-washing and infection control, according to the results of a survey announced by the Healthcare Commission.

Of all acute trust staff who responded to the survey,

-- 82% believe that the trust does enough to promote the importance of hand washing to staff (relative increase of 17% since 2005)

-- 71% believe that the trust does enough to promote the importance of hand washing to patients, service users and trust visitors (relative increase of 25% since 2005)

-- 83% believe that infection control applies to them (relative increase of 12% since 2005)

As well as progress in infection control, staff reported improvements in many other aspects of working in the NHS.

The survey showed levels of staff training remain high with 94% reporting access to employer supported training and development opportunities in the last 12 months. More staff are receiving appraisals (61%, up from 58% in 2006) which are proven to impact positively on patient experience, and more staff have a personal development plan (52%, up from 48% in 2006).

According to the survey, job satisfaction remains high and staff feel better supported by their managers and their trust in achieving a good work-life balance. The majority of staff are using flexible working options (73%, up from 71% in 2006).

Health Minister Ann Keen said,

"I know from past experience as a nurse that working in the NHS is demanding but immensely rewarding and it is encouraging that in its 60th year, the majority of staff continue to report high job satisfaction.

"The Department of Health has made it very clear that cleanliness should be the top priority for all NHS trusts and we have invested an additional £270 million per year until 2011 to help them to do so.

"We have instructed hospitals to adopt a range of measures to prevent the spread of hospital infections, including the deep cleaning programme, the reintroduction of matrons and the 'Bare Below the Elbows' dress code.

"It is very satisfying to hear that our high standards for infection control are being taken seriously by the majority of hospitals."

Notes

1. The staff survey is carried out annually between October and December by the Healthcare Commission. All NHS Trusts participate and in 2007 (the fifth survey), 156,000 employees responded (54%).

2. The survey results are used by:

-- NHS organisations to improve local working conditions and practices;

-- the HCC in its assessments of NHS performance, including the Annual Health Check;

-- the Department of Health to assess and develop workforce policies and as one of the measures in the 2008/09 NHS Operating Framework.

3. The Social Partnership Forum will discuss the survey findings and identify areas for improvement at its meeting on 17 April 2008.

Department of Health