Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are not only a serious issue in terms of the wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors, but also pose a significant financial burden on the NHS. Many people understand the detrimental effects these infections can have on individual health and wellbeing, and recognise the critical need to limit their spread. However, our fight against these infections is missing a crucial tool - access to accurate data in relation to the spread of the #SARSCoV2 virus within healthcare sites such as hospitals. 

We propose that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) should monitor and report on the numbers of COVID-19 infections that happen within healthcare settings such as hospitals and care homes. This should be a part of regular surveillance programmes. The advice they provide on how to prevent and control infections within these establishments could prove essential in controlling the spread of this virus.

We want the government to direct the UKHSA to treat this as an urgent concern. We believe that this proposal not only aligns with the aim of infection prevention but also helps us prepare for a potential uprise in COVID-19 cases, all the while advancing our collective knowledge about HCAIs.

We therefore urge you to join us in making the rigorous control of COVID-19 infections in specific settings a top priority. Please sign this petition and help us bring about effective change. Together we can strive for a safer healthcare system for all.

Please also read, support, and sign the (separate) petition on the UK Parliament petition site: 

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732047

Many thanks!