This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Hospital Infection Society conference
16/09/2002
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm today made the opening
address at the fifth international conference of the
Hospital Infection Society.
The delegates are mainly made up of microbiologists with
the aim of advancing knowledge of, and fostering scientific
interest in, the control of healthcare associated
infections (HAIs).
Mr Chisholm said:
"It is very appropriate that the Society has chosen to
consider the international issue of infection control here
in Edinburgh, where a great deal of medical history has
been made.
"We share your concern about the emerging challenges
facing us. Organisms are continuously evolving and becoming
more difficult to control. The Executive recognises the
danger posed by HAI and tackling the problem is one of our
key objectives.
"We must all of us get better at putting across the
message of how we can reduce the burden of avoidable
infection resulting from health care and we should not be
afraid to challenge the attitude that there is little we
can do in the face of such complex odds. This conference
can help do this.
"Having attended the recent convention on HAI it was
emphasised to me how much of the HAI problem is directly
related to the organisation and management of healthcare.
Dealing with it could require some major changes to the way
in which healthcare is managed in this country, but a major
modernisation programme involving measures such as hospital
building and staff recruitment is already moving forward.
All of these measures are vital in tackling the
problem.
"We need to ensure that infections in hospital are
prevented. Increasing awareness of hygiene and better
isolation facilities are among a number of measures which
will help combat the problem. To help secure these, we have
introduced new Infection Control Standards. The Clinical
Standards Board for Scotland has developed an effective
monitoring process of how these standards are being met and
we are now acting in ensuring Trusts tackle problems
identified through this process.
"Furthermore, we have developed an anti-microbial
resistance strategy that highlights the importance of
responsible prescribing, aimed at helping improve clinical
practice in the light of all available evidence.
"I would like to thank you for the invitation to speak
to you today, therefore allowing me the opportunity to
restate the importance that we attach to infection control
as a key risk management issue. I look forward to hearing
from you on the outcome of your deliberations and I wish
you every success.
The Hospital Infection Society is a British-based
international society with over 700 members in from over 60
countries worldwide. Members are mainly medically qualified
hospital microbiologists, but this will change gradually as
their constitution has recently been revised to open
membership to anyone with an interest in hospital and other
healthcare associated infection. It is anticipated that
this will attract more infection control nurse members.
Formed in the 1970s by a group of consultant
microbiologists, the Society's objectives are to advance
knowledge of, foster scientific interest in and disseminate
information to medical and allied professionals for the
benefit of the public about the control of hospital and
other healthcare associated infections.
An international convention on HAI, attending by the
Minister, on June 28, 2002 brought together NHS management,
nurses, clinicians, microbiologists and pharmaceutical
companies to draw on international and domestic expertise
on tackling HAIs. An Action Plan for the NHS, based on the
conclusions of the Convention, is being developed.