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Drop in hospital superbug rates
08/10/2008
MRSA and C.difficile rates are falling in Scotland, according to the latest quarterly figures published today.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon warned there could be no let up in the war on hospital superbugs.
The Cabinet Secretary also hailed the achievement, ahead of schedule, of a 90 per cent compliance rate with hand hygiene rules across Scotland - a key part of the battle against Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) - but highlighted that some NHS Boards still needed to improve their performance.
Latest figures published today by Health Protection Scotland showed that in April-June this year, C.difficile cases fell by seven per cent on the previous quarter (from 1,861 to 1,732).
Meanwhile, MRSA cases fell six per cent over the quarter (from 197 to 185).
Regular hand washing is widely acknowledged as the simplest and most effective way of combating infection in hospitals and compliance across Scotland as a whole has now hit the 90 per cent target required by November this year - a 22 per cent climb since February 2007.
Ms Sturgeon said this initial target would now be superseded by a 'zero tolerance' approach to non-compliance with hand washing regulations and this will be backed with an even harder hitting hand hygiene campaign in the NHS early next year.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Healthcare associated infections are not only devastating for their victims - they also shake people's trust that they will be well looked after in hospital.
"People rightly expect the highest hygiene standards in our hospitals and I am determined that these will be met to ensure confidence in hospital care is maintained.
"I therefore welcome the fact that C.difficile cases are down compared to the last quarter - a sign that we are on track to reduce C.difficile rates in Scotland.
"In addition, we have also seen a decline in MRSA infection numbers, with a 14 per cent decline since the same time last year. This is the fifth consecutive quarterly decrease and the lowest quarterly result for MRSA since October-December 2003.
"But there can be absolutely no room for complacency - especially since progress has been uneven across the country.
"In recognition of the paramount importance we place on tackling all HAIs, the Scottish Government is investing a record 54 million pounds in combating them.
"This includes the establishment of a national MRSA screening programme to help NHS boards meet our target of a 30 per cent reduction in infections by 2010.
"Other key elements of our war on superbugs include prudent prescribing of antibiotics and greater compliance with hand washing rules.
"I therefore welcome the news that the hand hygiene compliance rate for Scotland as a whole has reached 90 per cent, although I note that seven NHS Boards have yet to meet this target which I expect them all to achieve by November.
"This is a very welcome increase and I applaud the efforts of all NHS staff in reaching this high level of compliance.
"Our zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance will involve further strengthening our already robust monitoring and reporting arrangements and bi-monthly progress reports from Health Protection Scotland from early 2009.
"This will be combined with a harder hitting and wider reaching hand hygiene campaign."