Camden New Journal - Letters: Infection control and the importance of openness

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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 27 September 2007

Infection control and the importance of openness

• WE invited Annette Jeanes, the director of Infection Prevention and Control, University College London Hospital, to speak at a joint Patient and Public Involvement Forum meeting at Camden Town Hall in order for as many people as possible to learn first hand about the current state of hospital and other acquired diseases and infections, as well as the measures being taken by the UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. We all thought this one of the best presentations ever attended, appreciating Annette Jeanes’ frankness when explaining the problems associated with tackling the prevalence of MRSA, C Diff, E Coli etc, in our own and other hospitals across Europe. How surprised and disappointed therefore were we to read the shoddy and irresponsible piece in which your reporter tried to make tabloid headlines for sensation rather than accuracy and balance (Coming clean: Hospital’s dirty secrets revealed, September 20).
Anybody who cares to do so can give whatever impression they like by rearranging facts for maximum effect. In this case the piece did nothing good for patients nor the experts who work tirelessly to help people improve their health, not least the morale of the general public, which was the point of inviting Ms. Jeanes.
We as Patient and Public Involvement Forum members, in conjunction with trust professionals, seek to improve patients’ health and access to healthcare services.
This can only be achieved by the openness and honesty which was demonstrated by the UCLH Foundation Trust representative, and not by poor journalism.
Neil Woodnick
Camden PCT PPI Forum
Arthur Brill
Royal Free Hospital PPI Forum Chair
Veronica Brinton
UCLH Foundation Trust PPI Forum Chair

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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