'Mixed reports' on hospital bugs

The Scottish Government said tackling hospital infections was a priority

Rates of infection from the bug Clostridium Difficile have risen in Scotland but those from MRSA fell, according to a survey.

Figures from NHS agency Health Protection Scotland showed 1,861 people were diagnosed with C.diff in the first three months of 2008.

That was an increase of 16% on the previous quarter.

Over the same three months, the number of people diagnosed with the superbug MRSA fell to 193.

This is the second lowest figure since surveillance began three years ago.

Hand hygiene

Meanwhile, a survey of hand hygiene among health professionals staff suggested 88% were now regularly washing their hands or using alcohol gel, compared to 68% last year.

The figures came after an independent inquiry was announced into the deaths of nine patients from C.diff at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Dunbartonshire in the past six months.

The infection was a "contributory factor" in a further deaths at the hospital.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said tackling healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) was a priority for the Scottish Government.

"Scotland has one of the most comprehensive sets of policies and procedures to manage HAI in Europe. However, recent events at the Vale of Leven show how vital it is for Boards to ensure that these policies and procedures are applied to a high standard."