Rates of Clostridium difficile infection and MRSA in Scotland’s hospitals have fallen to their lowest ever level. The latest statistics, from Health Protection Scotland, show rates of C. difficile have fallen by over 42%, compared with the same period last year, while MRSA rates are down nearly 45 %.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “These figures show that the strenuous efforts that have been made, and the initiatives that have been put in place, are delivering results for patients. However we must remain vigilant and there is no room for complacency. I remain confident that – with continued effort – we can drive down infection rates further still.” Among the initiatives which have been introduced to tackle healthcare-associated infections are:
• Independent, unannounced inspections from the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate.
• Public reporting of hospital by hospital performance on key indicators such as MRSA and C. difficile, hand hygiene and cleaning with a single website to give access to national and local information.
• Tripling funding to tackle healthcareassociated infections to over £50 million over three years, to support a new and more comprehensive HCAI delivery plan.
• Providing hundreds of additional cleaning staff across NHS Scotland funded by an extra £3.5 million in 2009/10 and over £5 million in the current year
• Revamping the senior charge nurse role, with responsibility for ensuring ward cleanliness.
• Introducing a new staff uniform and dress code.
