Sacked nurse speaks out over hospital infections

A nurse who was sacked by the Canberra Hospital has spoken out about poor infection controls, which she says are putting patients and staff at risk.

Annette Wright lost her job in the Canberra Hospital's surgical suite after raising concerns with management about infection controls.

"Patients with VRE [Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus] infections should be nursed in single room at all times and that is not being followed," she said.

Ms Wright's claims come just a week after a study found hospitals across Australia are putting patients lives at risk by failing to stop the spread of antibiotic resistant infections.

Hospital spokesman Professor Peter Collignon says infection controls in Canberra are better than in New South Wales hospitals, but admits there is still room for improvement.

"We've got points on the board to show that we are effective compared to our interstate colleagues," he said.

Ms Wright is hoping the hospital will reconsider its decision to sack her.

Article from http://abc.net.au/news