Hiring one extra cleaner on a hospital ward can save lives and money, according to new research.
A study sponsored by the trade union Unison found using targeted cleaning methods at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital cut the number of patients who contracted MRSA and saved the hospital an estimated £30,000 to £70,000.
Now, those behind the study are urging politicians to consider increasing the number of cleaners in hospitals to save millions of pounds.
Unison argues that cuts in the number of cleaners employed in the NHS have led to the rise of superbugs such as MRSA and C Difficile.
In what they described as a "put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is" exercise, the union sponsored microbiologist Dr Stephanie Dancer to carry out in-depth research into MRSA and cleaning.
She found that cases of MRSA fell in the 6 months of targeted cleaning on ward A. They rose again when the cleaner moved to ward B, which in turn saw the number of cases fall.
Dr Dancer's research focused on targeting cleaning around specific areas close to patient beds, such as lockers, trays, buzzers, curtains and the beds themselves.
The study also shifted the focus of the cleaners to using 'elbow grease' and detergent instead of expensive alternatives such as antiseptics and bleach.
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said: "MRSA has a devastating effect on patients and can cost lives. Dr Dancer's work has shone new light on the absolute importance of putting effective cleaning practices at the heart of infection control.
"It busts the myth that expensive solutions and disinfectants are needed to keep wards clean and it provides a blueprint for hospitals to cut their own infection rates.
"The number of cleaners employed by the NHS has been cut almost in two since the 80s and patients have paid the price. Armed with this evidence, UNISON will be arguing that every cleaner plays an invaluable part in the control of infections and employing more in the NHS is a win, win situation - lives are saved as well as much needed NHS money."
Dr Stephanie Dancer said:"It is very tempting to look for easy ways to clean a hospital ward. Look at all the wonderful ideas out there.... bug buster dusters, clean air machines, kill-all disinfectants and gases, electrostatic wall tiles, copper toilets, silver pyjamas and self-clean computers, for example.
"Whilst such things are innovative and interesting, we should not forget that basic hospital cleaning with detergent and water is the first line of defence against hospital infections. Cleaning is hard work, and complicated work, and the gadgets, gimmicks and gizmos cannot, and should not, replace a hospital cleaner."
