Lancet condemns Brown's deep-clean proposals.

I see the Lancet has dissed Labour's deep clean proposals and a new "dress" code as yet more examples of their pandering to populism rather than listening to evidence.

Gordon Brown announced new plans to "deep clean" hospitals in his speech to the conference on Monday. Last week, the health secretary, Alan Johnson, said a new dress code would advise doctors against wearing long-sleeved coats and ties.

The Lancet, in a highly critical editorial,says that government-sponsored research had found little evidence to support wearing short sleeves.

"Disinfection of high-touch surfaces is what is needed, more so than removing visible dirt,"

it said.

"The public wants clean wards and crisp uniforms, but politicians must stop pandering to populism about hospital cleanliness and listen to the evidence.

"Brown also plans to double the number of hospital matrons, to check on ward cleaning and accost doctors wearing long sleeves. They would be better employed making sure doctors, nurses and visitors wash their hands properly, the proven way to stop hospital-acquired infections."

Another piece of Brown's Conference speech has been exposed as spin rather than fact.

Gordon Brown a "Conviction" Politician!

Lancet condemns hospital deep-clean proposals | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited