Stamping out hospital bugs

Oct 16 2009

THE NUMBER of people catching hospital bugs has fallen in Ayrshire.

Just 112 people contracted deadly C difficile between April and June – 48 fewer than in the same period last year.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon insists that the news shows tough new efforts to stamp out hospital acquired infections are working.

She explained that there has been a steady decline since they were introduced, saying: “I have made tackling hospital infections a top priority.

“I am encouraged that the figures show our strenuous efforts appear to be reaping rewards in Ayrshire and Arran.

“We are confident that we now have the right initiatives in place and the figures back this up.

“We are seeing significant and sustained reductions in infections, which is good news for patients throughout Scotland.”

But Ms Sturgeon warned that the news doesn’t mean that hospitals can sit back and assume that the problem will go away.

She added: “However, there is no room for complacency.

“I want us to continue this excellent progress as we drive to eliminate all avoidable infections from our hospitals.”

And her view was echoed by MSP Adam Ingram.

He pointed out that the rate of C difficile has fallen by 44 per cent and MRSA by 26 per cent across Scotland since 2007, and praised the efforts of staff in Ayrshire hospitals.

He said: “The figures show that real progress is being made under the SNP to tackle hospital acquired infection.

“The additional funding from the SNP Government of £21m this year and the measures being taken by Nicola Sturgeon to improve hospital hygiene are making a huge improvement.

“In particular the efforts of NHS Ayrshire and Arran staff to keep hospitals infection free and ensure the best treatment for patients must be commended.

“NHS nurses and doctors are working incredibly hard to tackle hospital infections and today’s results show it is paying off.

“There will always be more to do to keep infection at bay, but together we have made great strides forward.”