The Italian government is coming under fire over conditions in hospitals. It follows an investigative magazine report that claims to have revealed shocking evidence of bad hygiene and mismanagement at the country’s biggest hospital. The findings were made by a journalist who worked undercover as a cleaner.

Ignazio Marino, head of the Senate’s Health Commission, said: “Hospitals today should be smaller with fewer beds and more high technology to make the stay more comfortable for patients.” According to the magazine, between 4,500 and 7,000 patients die each year because of infections contracted while in hospital. The government has now ordered an investigation into hygiene standards in all Italian hospitals.

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