MRSA Figures Show There Was No Need For Secrecy

12.00.00am GMT Thu 3rd Feb 2005

Superbug infection rates in Welsh Hospitals have been published for the first time under Freedom of Information legislation - the figures prove Wales is doing better than England when it comes to tackling the bug.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Kirsty Williams AM (Brecon & Radnorshire) welcomed the belated publication of the figures, which she first asked for in the summer of 2004. She said: "Throughout the autumn of last year I urged Jane Hutt to publish these figures. I welcome the fact that we can now see them, although it is regrettable that the government was so reluctant to publish them.

"To have an honest debate about whether policies to combat MRSA are working we need to have the information. It is just a shame that the Labour Assembly Government kept these figures under wraps for so long. The previous Health Minister said they were too complicated, but the response to their publication shows that people do understand that different hospitals, treating different kinds of patients, are likely to have different infection rates.

"Their lack of trust is a significant barrier to improving the health service in Wales."

Ms Williams acknowledged that the figures show in greater detail that Welsh hospitals are ahead of the rest of the UK when it comes to tackling the superbug.

Local Assembly Member Michael German added, "Our problems are not as grave as in England, but now we can measure which hospitals are doing best, and ensure that best practice is used in all our hospitals. This is a major step forward on the march to eradicate MRSA."