More than 100 housekeeping staff responsible for keeping King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) clean and infection free have been honoured by Government, after an announcement marking Housekeeping Appreciation Week.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) along with Minister of Health Michael Scott, made the proclamation yesterday, marking the second year the BHB has joined a world-wide campaign by countries to recognise the contributions of housekeepers.

The BHB says rates for hospital-acquired infections are considered low at KEMH compared to some hospitals overseas, which report that 60 percent of blood stream infections in intensive care units are caused by the potentially deadly MRSA bug.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an isolate of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that has acquired genes encoding antibiotic resistance to all penicillins, including methicillin and other narrow-spectrum b-lactamase-resistant penicillin antibiotics.

MRSA was discovered for the first time in 1961 in the UK, but it is now widespread in hospitals, with some deaths being attributed to the bug.

At KEMH, however, the rate of MRSA infection in the Island's ICU is only 15 percent, the BHB added. Executive Housekeeper, Rosa Simons said: "Our staff play a vital role in preventing the spread of infection by adhering to strict policies and procedures.

"We work closely with BHB's Infection Control Committee and keep current with international standards. We use almost 900 gallons of hospital grade disinfectant cleaner annually."

The Housekeeping Team cleans more than 800 birthing rooms a year and sterilises approximately 600 isolation rooms. They also wash more than 5,000 beds each year.

Events for yesterday's launch began with the Minister being escorted on a tour of the housekeeping department, before meeting with housekeeping staff during a special coffee morning reception.

Deputy chief executive officer, Venetta Symonds, presented staff with a framed poster thanking them for the important role they play in the hospital and for their contribution to patient care.

"Day and night, seven days a week," she told them, "You are the team who maintains a clean, healthy, infection-free environment for patients, staff and visitors.

"You are the lifeblood of the organisation, keeping patient areas, corridors, bathrooms, surgical rooms and offices hygienic and sanitary."

Mrs. Simons announced that Kyle Outerbridge was being honoured as Housekeeper of the Year.

"Mr. Outerbridge exemplifies service excellence, professionalism and dedication to duty," she added.

"He is a model employee, a team player and an asset to the hospital."

A variety of activities are planned to commemorate Housekeeping Appreciation Week, including a lobby display, skits performed by staff members and a luncheon on Friday for housekeeping employees.