MRSA superbug screening outlined

All patients in the pilot programme will be screened for MRSA

A year-long pilot screening programme for the superbug MRSA in hospitals has been announced by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.

Almost one million people in the trial areas will be given nasal swabs to test for the presence of MRSA.

If it is detected, they will be given treatments to clear the bug.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Grampian and NHS Western Isles will be the first to introduce the scheme, which could be rolled out across the country.

The boards will be responsible for running a programme of screening for all hospital patients, backed by £7m of new investment in 2008/09.

Tackling infection

If the pilot is a success all boards will adopt the scheme in 2009/2010.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The screening programme will ensure that Scotland continues to lead the way in tackling healthcare associated infections like MRSA.

"The pilots will be an exhaustive test of the screening model and will ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made before the programme is rolled out across Scotland.

"I know that the fear of contracting an infection is one of the major concerns of patients going into hospital and I am confident that the screening programme will give them the reassurance they rightly expect."

The screening programme is a key plank of the third Healthcare Associated Infection Action Plan, which starts from 1 April, backed by a £54m investment.