DOCTORS are now being targeted at Hemel Hempstead Hospital after it emerged they are the worst culprits when it comes to handwashing.
Two doctors have been carpeted in recent weeks and a further three junior doctors have been sent warnings for failing to wash their hands.
In addition letters have been sent out to every doctor reminding them of the hygiene policy at West Herts Ho
spitals NHS Trust.
Action has been taken in light of audits that show while at least 96 per cent of nurses wash their hands, for doctors the figure is 85 per cent.
The number of cases of killer bugs at the trust continues to run above target levels, with 37 cases of MRSA and 28 cases of Clostridium difficile.
Medical director Graham Ramsay told a trust board meeting: "In the last week I have had two doctors for face to face meetings.
"I have sent out three warnings to junior doctors."
During an audit it was noted that of eight consultants on a ward round, just two gelled their hands on entering and none did between patients.
At Hemel Hempstead Hospital the wards with the worst record on handwashing are Boleyn, St Peter's, the stroke unit and endoscopy.
Trust chairman Thomas Hanahoe suggested a handwashing compliance rate of 100 per cent should become an official target.
"If we don't have that target we will never achieve it," he said.
But board members said the target was not realistic, saying handwashing was only one of a number of important measures in tackling hygiene.
In February double standards came to light at the trust when it emerged nurses were being disciplined for failing to wash hands but not doctors, despite them having a worse record.
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