FINING HOSPITALS RISKS PUNISHING THE SYMPTOM WITHOUT TACKLING THE CAUSE - LAMB

6.47.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 13th Dec 2007

Commenting on the Chief Medical Officer's call for hospitals to face fines for harming patients through infections or medical errors, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said: "It's right that hospitals should be held to account for serious breaches that harm patients. The only danger to this approach with things like infections is that you risk punishing hospitals for a symptom without tackling the cause."

"Fines will not help reduce the high levels of bed occupancy which make it impossible for patients to be isolated. Many hospitals with high infection rates are also carrying heavy debt, worsening their financial problems may result in patient care suffering."

"The focus must be on creating a culture of good hygiene and reducing overcrowding if we are to win the war against superbugs."