NEW YORK, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths (RID) applauds Tom Daschle's decision to appoint a new leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Betsy McCaughey, Ph.D., Chairman of RID, says, "The CDC is largely to blame for the huge problem of hospital infections. We have the science to prevent these infections. But CDC's lax guidelines under Gerberding have given the hospitals an excuse to do too little. The CDC is in bed with the hospital industry instead of looking out for patients."
Every year, hospital infections kill more people in the U.S. than AIDS, breast cancer, and auto accidents combined, and add $30.5 billion to the nation's health tab in unnecessary expenses. The incoming Secretary Daschle, who wants to reduce healthcare costs, should turn the CDC's attention to preventing these infections.
The CDC consistently caters to the hospital industry rather than calling for universal screening for MRSA bacteria on incoming patients, more rigorous cleaning standards in hospitals, and use of proven back-up technologies such as antibiotic-impregnated central-line catheters. "I encourage Daschle to select a CDC head who will focus on the needs of patients, rather than the hospital industry," says McCaughey.
To speak with Dr. Betsy McCaughey, please call 212-369-3329.
SOURCE The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |