AUR proposes a public registry of hospital infections, updated monthly

AUR Senator Cristian Vântu is proposing the introduction of a public register, updated monthly, in which each hospital would publish the healthcare-associated infections reported for each ward. This would allow patients to check, before being admitted, what infections have been recorded in the ward where they are due to receive treatment and what risks they face. Vântu is calling on the Ministry of Health to implement this measure and to set clear deadlines for doing so.

The proposal forms part of a package of measures put forward by AUR as far back as last year, following the situation at "Sfânta Maria" Hospital in Iași. The senator is calling for the current discussions around the prevention of healthcare-associated infections to be followed by concrete measures, with clearly defined timelines, funding, and responsibilities.

What other measures is AUR proposing

• A "red button" mechanism to allow the suspension of admissions to wards where patient safety has been compromised;
• Replacing refillable soap and disinfectant dispensers with sealed systems;
• A minimum staffing standard for specialist personnel, including epidemiologists and nurses trained in infection prevention and control;
• Operationalisation of the national genetic sequencing network, to identify the sources of infections and the links between cases;
• Funding bonuses for hospitals that comply with hygiene and prevention measures.

"I have proposed a monthly public register of infections for each hospital and each ward. Patients must be able to find out what risks exist before being admitted. I have called for a red button to suspend admissions to wards where patient safety is compromised, and for refillable soap and disinfectant dispensers to be replaced with sealed systems," said Cristian Vântu.

Another element of the proposals concerns the accurate reporting of cases and the accountability of hospital management. AUR is calling for inspections and sanctions where infections are concealed or prevention obligations are not met.

"I insist on accurate reporting. Concealing cases leaves patients exposed and delays intervention. I am calling for clear accountability for managers, rigorous inspections, and sanctions for those who conceal infections or fail to meet their prevention obligations," the AUR senator stated.

Vântu argues that the solutions put forward by AUR have been in the public domain for nearly a year, and he is urging the Ministry of Health not to let the debate on nosocomial infections remain at the level of discussion, but instead to establish a concrete implementation timetable.

"I am calling on the Ministry of Health to examine the proposals I presented last year and to establish an implementation timetable," Cristian Vântu concluded.

According to the AUR press release, the aim is for patients to be able to check the infection situation before being admitted, for admissions to be suspendable when a ward becomes unsafe, for hospitals to have specialist staff for infection control, and for managers to be held accountable when cases are concealed or prevention measures are not observed.