The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has said that patients have a right to know as soon as possible, if they have developed a hospital or healthcare infection such as MRSA.
In a policy document published today, the college said any delay in notifying patients can result in unnecessary anxiety and mistrust.
Professor Hilary Humphreys, chairperson of the college policy group on healthcare associated infections, said it was the responsibility of the consultant to tell the patient about an infection.
He said that a sense of shame on the part of the hospital or concern over possible litigation were some of the excuses made but were not a justification for any delay in informing a patient.
The report says that as many as one in ten patients admitted to a hospital or other health facility will develop an infection not all of which are preventable.
Some patients have conditions, such as an immune system that is compromised, which mean they are at greater risk of infection.
Prof Humphreys also called for more isolation rooms and infection control teams.
