Hospital bug could kill 5,000 a year

London - Infections caught by patients in Britain's hospitals could be killing 5,000 people each year and costing the National…

London - Infections caught by patients in Britain's hospitals could be killing 5,000 people each year and costing the National Health Service £1 billion, according to a report issued by the National Audit Office.

The report estimated hospital-acquired infections could also be a contributing factor in a further 15,000 deaths.

It added that deaths and additional costs for treatment and longer hospital stays could be reduced by better management and control.