Health Committee Announces First Inquiry

The Assembly Health Committee today announced its intention to carry out an inquiry into Healthcare Associated Infections.

The Committee will examine the current strategic approach to tackling Healthcare Associated Infections.

In particular the Committee will:

• assess the scope and appropriateness of the Department’s approach
• examine implementation to date including progress towards meeting specified actions
• investigate any barriers being encountered by healthcare organisations in implementing the required action, and
• consider what further action is required, taking account, as appropriate, of experience elsewhere.

The Committee wishes to invite any individual or organisation with an interest in this matter to submit written evidence. This should be addressed to the Clerk of the Committee at the address below and should arrive by Friday 14 September 2007.

Individuals or organisations are requested to submit memoranda (guideline length up to 2000 words) in a Word file or by e-mail to committee.hssps@niassembly.gov.uk with a single additional hard copy in the post.

Written evidence submitted to the Committee should be kept confidential until published by the Committee.

Note to Editor:

Committee Membership:

Mrs Iris Robinson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Ms Michelle O’Neill (SF) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Thomas Buchanan (DUP); Rev Dr Robert Coulter (UUP); Dr Kieran Deeny (IHC); Mr Alex Easton (DUP); Mr Tommy Gallagher (SDLP); Mrs Carmel Hanna (SDLP); Mr John McCallister (UUP); Ms Carál Ní Chuilín (SF); Ms Sue Ramsey (SF)

The Clerk to the Committee is Mr Hugh Farren,
Room 412, Parliament Buildings,
Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.