Listen
Superbug supremo selected
08/06/2009
The latest weapon in the battle of the bugs was unveiled today - Scotland's first hospital inspector.
As chief inspector of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, Susan Brimelow will spearhead a programme of unannounced hospital inspections throughout the NHS in Scotland.
Ms Brimelow, currently the Care Commission's healthcare regulation director, will lead inspection teams which have the right expertise - together with the involvement of the public - to ensure infection control measures, and the hospital environment generally, are of the highest standard.
Plans are already in hand to test the new inspection model in two NHS Boards this summer before the full programme of inspections starts in September.
Every acute hospital will receive at least one planned and one random visit within the three year inspection cycle, with extra visits as required.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"We're doing all we can to crack down on hospital infections. Having increased spending by 260 per cent, we've already put in place a comprehensive package of measures that is beginning to show results.
"Through a programme of planned and random visits, the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate's stringent independent regime will ensure the public can have confidence in the care provided in our hospitals.
"Getting the right person at the helm was crucial, and I'm sure Susan's strategic vision and strong leadership will benefit the inspectorate immensely.
"I look forward to seeing the inspection regime get underway. I'm sure the public will also welcome the opportunity to raise any concerns with the inspectorate.
"I firmly believe the inspectorate will provide the greater scrutiny and transparency required to promote greater public confidence in our health service."
Susan Brimelow joins the inspectorate from the Care Commission where she was Director of Healthcare Regulation. Susan joined the Care Commission at the end of July 2002 from NHS Glasgow, where she was Deputy Director of Nursing at North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. Prior to this, she was Director of Nursing and Quality at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow and responsible for providing nursing advice to the Trust's Board and implementing the quality strategy for the Trust.
The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate will operate independently of the Scottish Government and the NHS Boards which it will inspect but, for administrative purposes, is based within NHS Quality Improvement Scotland with an annual budget in excess of £1 million.
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 Scottish Government is investing £54 million (over three years) in a range of initiatives designed to tackle healthcare associated infections. These include a national MRSA screening programme, prudent prescribing of antibiotics, zero tolerance on hand hygiene and a single web portal to give access to national and local information on C.diff and MRSA rates.