Hospital deep cleans plan attacked

The Lancet said there was little or no evidence to support either hospital "deep cleans" or medical staff wearing short sleeves.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced new plans to "deep clean" hospitals on Sunday.

Last week Health Secretary Alan Johnson pledged a new dress code for staff would advise against long-sleeved coats and ties for doctors.

Efforts to fight killer bugs such as MRSA should instead focus on disinfecting work surfaces, the journal said.

In a highly-critical editorial, the magazine says Government-sponsored research found there was little evidence to support short sleeves.

"Disinfection of high-touch surfaces is what is needed, more so than removing visible dirt," the magazine says.

"The public understandably wants clean wards and crisp uniforms, but politicians must stop pandering to populism about hospital cleanliness and listen to the evidence.

"Brown also plans to double the number of hospital matrons, to check on ward cleaning, and accost doctors wearing long sleeves.

"They would be better employed making sure doctors, nurses and visitors wash their hands properly, the proven way to stop hospital acquired infections."