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Consistency key to infection control
29/06/2009
Scotland has the right framework in place for tackling hospital infections - like MRSA and C.diff - but consistent implementation is essential to ensure effectiveness.
That was the message from Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon following the publication of reports from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland on three recent outbreaks of C.diff.
The reports - into incidents at NHS Grampian, NHS Highland and NHS Orkney - highlight five key areas where improvements are required:
- Implementation
- Organisational approaches to HAI
- Surveillance
- Antibiotic prescribing
- National engagement and collaboration.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Tackling hospital infections is my top priority because it's vital that the public have confidence in the care they receive if they need hospital treatment. I am determined to bring infection rates down and make hospitals a safer environment for our patients.
"Today's reports support our belief that the national policies and guidance we have put in place are fit for purpose. The reports confirm that where problems arise it is not with the policy and guidance but in their application.
"It is important that everyone in the NHS - from hospital managers and charge nurses to cleaners and porters -understands their role and the important contribution they make to tackling infections.
"Clearly there are lessons to be learned both at individual board level and for NHS Scotland as a whole. That is why I asked NHS QIS to review these Clostridium difficile outbreaks and why we will work closely with health boards to ensure practical solutions are found.
"Scotland is not unique - all countries are challenged by preventing hospital infections. This is a worldwide issue. However, we are committed to doing all we can to crack down on these infections."
The Scottish Government is investing £54 million (over three years) in a range of initiatives designed to tackle HAIs. These include pre-admission MRSA screening, prudent prescribing of antibiotics, zero tolerance on hand hygiene and a Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.