Hospitals accused of virus deaths cover-up
Hospitals across Britain are covering up thousands of deaths caused by a fatal 'super-bug' because they are afraid of being sued, according to a Labour MP.
Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) told MPs that hospitals were attributing patients' cause of death to pneumonia or blood poisoning rather than the virus MRSA.
However, the British Government insisted all invasive forms of the infection will be reportable to the Department of Health from next month.
MRSA is a treatable organism but it has proved resistant to a number of antibiotics.
Speaking during Treasury questions in the British Commons, Mr Mackinlay said: "Death certificates are not being completed in countless numbers of hospitals throughout England and Wales in a proper and frank manner.
"For the past 20 years, death certificates are being completed saying pneumonia or septicaemia when in fact it is a cover-up for a contribution of death being caused by MRSA.
"There are thousands of people dying in our hospitals and the hospitals are contriving not to tell the truth. They are covering up because of political and resource and litigation considerations."
Economic Secretary Melanie Johnson replied: "This is a serious matter. Doctors are required to complete the cause of death certificate to the best of their knowledge and their belief. There is guidance available.
"The Department of Health has decided to make all invasive forms of MRSA infection reportable by NHS trusts to the department from April of this year."
