Clearer communication needed to prevent spread of infection

Lack of communication between UK care homes and hospitals is resulting in the spread of infection between patients, it has been claimed.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) voiced its concerns this week about the need for more information about infections in order to improve care.

Some 28 per cent of care home managers surveyed reported confusion arising from illegible or incomplete discharge information, when patients return to their care from hospital.

Cynthia Bower, CQC chief executive, said: "Infection prevention and control is not simply an issue for hospitals – care needs to be clean and safe wherever it is provided.

"If we are to tackle infections effectively we need to check that all providers of care are talking to each other about infections and following national guidelines."

From April 2010, all health and social care providers in the UK will be required by law to register with the CQC.

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