RESEARCH recently conducted at Cardiff University clearly links the contracting out, (privatisation), of hospital cleaning services with a drastic reduction in standards of cleanliness in hospitals, and even the development of often fatal "super bugs" like MRSA.
In 1983/4 there were around 100,000 cleaners employed in the NHS, a figure that is now reduced to 55,000.
Profit-hungry private contractors have reduced staff numbers and hours worked, driven down pay and conditions of service and cut corners dangerously.
Staff morale is at an all-time low, and turnover rapid.
Surely it is time that the government acknowledged the failure of NHS privatisation measures, put the nation's health before private profits, and restored decent standards of cleanliness in our hospitals.
ROGER BANNISTER, UNISON National Executive Council Members (North West), Kirkby, Merseyside.
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