Howard: 10-point action plan

Michael Howard has outlined the Tories' £52m action plan for tackling the MRSA superbug.

Setting out the 10-point plan, the Opposition leader said the NHS was failing in its most basic duty.

Under the strategy, matrons would be given new powers to close wards they believed were unsuitable.

"We live in an advanced 21st century country with ever more sophisticated healthcare. Advances in medical technology have seen rare and congenital diseases tamed - eliminated one by one," said Howard.

"But Mr Blair's obsession with targets has created a culture in which the superbug thrives."

Blair 'to blame'

The opposition leader said responsibility for the growth in MRSA deaths lay directly with the prime minister.

"Florence Nightingale once said that the very first requirement in hospital is that it should do the sick no harm," he said.

"Under Mr Blair our hospitals are failing in that most basic duty. Let's be clear - MRSA is avoidable."

Howard claimed that "patients are dying because of Mr Blair's targets".

"It is a fact that doctors and nurses are prevented from closing wards they know to be infected with the superbug because of Whitehall targets," he added.

"According to a National Audit Office report, more than one in 10 infection control teams reported that their recommendation to close a ward or hospital to clean up the superbug was refused or discouraged by the chief executive because of - and I quote - 'pressure on meeting performance targets'."

Personal

Detailing his proposals, Howard, whose mother in law died of MRSA, said he would mount a "personal" crusade against the superbug.

"There is a better way. We just need to change direction. We need to start by trusting professionals - not second guessing them at every turn," he said.

"That's why a Conservative government will scrap Whitehall targets for hospitals. We won't allow target-obsessed bureaucrats to get in their way.

"Matrons will have the power to close wards and operating theatres they know are infected with the superbug.

"We'll put matron back where she belongs - in charge."

Reaction

Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Paul Burstow reacted with scepticism to the Tory plans saying: "MRSA levels rose under the Tories, and they failed to bring back matron during the 18 years they were in power.