More needs to be done in Scotland to fight infections
Scotland’s health secretary has said that more must be done to fight hospital infections suggesting that consistency is the key to getting it right.
Nicola Sturgeon's comments came after the publication of reports from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland following three recent outbreaks of C.difficile.
The reports found that key areas of improvement are; implementation, organisational approaches to HCAIs, surveillance, antibiotic prescribing and national engagement and collaboration.
Sturgeon said: "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."
The Scottish Government is investing £54 million (over three years) in a range of initiatives designed to tackle HCAIs.
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.
Words: Clare Riley
