Letters

Even though earlier this year the National Audit Office pointed out that 'hospital-acquired infection' costs the NHS (and the taxpayer)£1bn a year, and the national priorities guidance emphasised the importance of strengthening services, the words 'infection control' do not appear at all in the NHS plan.

Although one might argue that 'visible improvements in the basics of cleaning' in hospital might have some small impact, without some serious investment in this area infection control will always be perceived as a Cinderella service.

Michael Whitcroft Managing director Scriptographic Publications Ltd Alton, Hants