Posted By Paul L Williams Having read Mike Grey's previous post about COSHH assessments for alcoholic hand gel for fighting MRSA in hospitals, I thought you'd like the following story taken from the Daily Mirror. Patients drink 62 per cent proof germ killer By Lorraine Fisher A HOSPITAL that introduced an alcohol-based handwash to fight MRSA was stunned to discover boozing patients were drinking the stuff. Staff noticed they were getting through an unusual amount of the special gel, which had been put in wards so people could clean their hands easily and prevent the spread of disease.But patients discovered another use for it. At 62 per cent alcohol, it seemed perfect for an afternoon tipple. A source at University Hospital Aintree, in Liverpool, said: "When we first put out the gel, the worry was that none of the patients or visitors would use it. "So when we kept having to replace the bottles, we were really pleased. "But then we noticed we were getting through it at a rate of knots - far more than we ever expected. We didn't know where it was going until one of the nurses noticed an old lady putting her tea cup underneath the pump and pressing it. "We couldn't believe it. It turned out lots of patients had been helping themselves. "It may seem funny, but it's actually quite worrying because it's very unhealthy." "Special vigilance is observed over patients with known alcohol addiction problems and in areas of risk staff carry a personal supply. Hick Hick Hick Paul W

Posted By Jim Walker I assume the stuff is methanol, which is poisionous. Notice this hospital was Liverpool, anything not bolted down is going to disappear.

Posted By DavidHaddon Why not add bitrex, or similar? Failing that, how about tonic and a slice of lemon? Chin-Chin!

Posted By David Mains I am sure that there is already something added, possibly bitrex, to deter people from ingesting it!

Posted By MichaelM This is not a new topic for the NHS. I remember years ago being told of a patient who died from drinking Zooflora (hope the name is correct) which was a disinfectant used for cleaning floors. To my knowledge there was no alcohol in it but that didn't deter the patient. Surely systems and procedures the same as any other area of H&S need to be in place to try to control access to chemicals? I know that one hospital I was in recently had the bottle of alcohol gel hand run outside the door to rooms/bed bays at approx 5 feet. This kept it out of the way of children, unless specifically applied by "grown ups" and also made it a bit more obvious if someone was trying to drink it. It also was as effective against the fight against MRSA.