Lib Dems: Culture of change is needed

A "real culture of change" is needed to ensure that rates of the healthcare associated infections MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C-difficile) are reduced, the Liberal Democrats have warned.

New government guidelines state that long-sleeved doctors' white coats and shirts should be banned on the wards as they make hand and wrist washing less efficient.

But the Lib Dems claim that the guidelines are not enough to tackle the problem of MRSA and C-difficile.

"Countless previous initiatives have failed to halt the spread of superbugs, as they are simply not enforced in all hospitals and care homes," Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said.

"It is not enough to tinker around the edges of this problem, there has to be a real culture change in hospitals and care homes. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to tackling infections."

Mr Lamb proposes that disciplinary action should be taken against hospital staff who fail to comply with hygiene standards.