06.25
2008
Infections ‘the biggest NHS fear’
Picking up an infection is the public’s main concern about hospital care, a UK-wide BBC poll shows.
Of the 1,040 people quizzed, 40% listed the risk of potentially deadly infections such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile as their top NHS concern.
In a separate finding, 31% said they would consider avoiding NHS surgery for fear of getting an infection.
The government said it had introduced a raft of measures which were already having an impact in reducing infection.
Despite the concerns raised by the survey, 82% of respondents said they were proud of the health service, with half claiming it was still the envy of the world.
The most widely-cited concern after infections was the wait people face for treatment.