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Crackdown on hospital superbugs
09/03/2009
A superbug supremo is to be appointed to spearhead Scotland's new inspectorate which will scrutinise hospitals' performance in dealing with infections like MRSA and C.diff.
The Care Environment Inspectorate, to be set up following responses to last year's consultation, will carry out random inspections of every Scottish acute hospital to ensure the highest possible standards of infection prevention and cleanliness are adhered to.
The public will also be able to contact the inspectorate directly to report concerns which the inspectorate will be able to investigate.
The chief inspector, to be appointed next month, will be responsible for ensuring that the inspectorate is rigorous, thorough and 'leaves no stone unturned' in the battle against bugs.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Nobody should doubt this government's commitment to tackling healthcare associated infections. We have put in place a comprehensive package of measures, including boosting spending by 260 per cent.
"But it's crucial that we - and, more importantly, the public - are assured that this work is delivering the high standards everyone expects.
"The Care Environment Inspectorate's stringent independent inspection regime will do just that.
"The appointment of a chief inspector is key to making the inspectorate a success. With the right person at the helm, offering strategic vision and strong leadership, I'm confident that the inspectorate will ensure all boards meet the highest possible standards.
"The opportunity for the public to contact the new inspectorate reflects my commitment to ensuring that the inspections have public confidence and support."
The Care Environment Inspectorate is based within NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, with an annual budget in excess of £1 million. As part of the inspection process, all NHS boards are required to provide self assessment information and this material has issued to boards today.
Every acute hospital will receive at least one planned and one random visit within the three year inspection cycle, with extra visits as required.
The inspections will focus on:
- Infection control practice (from screening to discharge)
- Hygiene and cleanliness standards
- Waste management
- The fabric of the building and accommodation
- Standards of essential equipment
- Access arrangements for visitors
The Chief Inspector will:
- Create, develop and sustain an inspectorate with the strategy, resources and capability to deliver its goals efficiently and effectively
- Contribute to the prevention and control of HAI through delivery of an annual inspection programme
- Ensure the validity and robustness of inspections by implementing appropriate risk management, quality assurance, evaluation and governance systems
- Ensure the public has access to the inspectorate
- Review inspection evidence to share lessons with NHS boards to achieve and sustain excellence in healthcare delivery
- Contribute to wider efforts on HAI
- Ensure appropriate external consultation, engagement and participation in the development and delivery of its programme, particulary in relation to public invovlement
- Ensure the HAI programme is informed by a strong understanding of the external environment, including good practice and legislative developments
A range of measures have already been introduced to tackle Healthcare Associated Infections. These include:
- Bi-monthly reporting of infection rates, at hospital level, providing unprecedented levels of transparency for the public and providing early warning of trouble spots
- A single web portal to give access to national and local information on MRSA and C.diff rates
- Pre-admission screening for MRSA currently being piloted - prior to national roll out this year
- 100 per cent single room provision in all new build hospitals
- Extra funding for prudent prescribing of antibiotics
- Zero tolerance on hand hygiene compliance
- Revamp of the Senior Charge Nurse role, with responsibility for ensuring ward cleanliness
- No more privatisation of cleaning contracts
- Independent audit of cleaning specification resulting in tougher cleaning standards
- Target to reduce all staphylococcus aureus infections (including MRSA) by at least 30 per cent by 2010.
- Target to reduce infections C.diff infections by at least 30 per cent by 2011 for over 65s
- Increasing funding provided to tackle HAI - up from £15 million to £54 million over three years
- Extra funding to NHS Boards to further enhance local HAI surveillance procedures
- Introduction of a national comprehensive HAI Action Plan which sits alongside the HAI Task Force Delivery Plan
- Introduction of a new staff uniform and dress code
- Development of public information on HAI