Disinfectant mats needed in hospitals

WHEN an outbreak of foot and mouth disease occurs abroad, disinfectant mats are deployed at our ports and airports and every precaution is taken to prevent the infection of our valuable livestock.

I have observed, for the last number of years, that the only precaution at our hospitals is a hand wash dispenser.

We walk across car parks, footpaths, toilets, etc, where we can pick up all sorts of obnoxious particles on our shoes.

If we are serious about improving protection for patients, is it not about time that disinfectant mats were deployed in our hospitals to prevent the gunk we bring with us (which turns to dust when dry) from blowing around wards and clinics?

I am not an expert in infection control but if a disease can cross to animals on boots and shoes, then how much more important are our precious patients?

Oliver Casey

The Mall

Youghal

Co Cork