To ask the Secretary of State for Health what work his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of different cleaning products to combat healthcare-acquired infections since 1997. (182060)

The Department of Health has commissioned work from University college London, examining the use of microfibre cloths and steam cleaning. The findings of this work were published in “An integrated approach to hospital cleaning: microfibre cloth and steam cleaning technology” and “Review of evidence: Microfibre cloth and steam cleaning technology”. Copies of both reports following this work have been placed in the Library.

In addition, the Department established the Rapid Review Panel in 2004. The Panel is serviced by the Health Protection Agency and provides a prompt assessment of the potential of new and novel equipment, materials, and other products or protocols that may support the national health service in improving hospital infection control and reducing hospital acquired infections.

Further information on the Rapid Review Panel and on the products it has considered to date can be found at:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/rapid_review/default.htm