Hospital bug infection rate falls

MRSA cases fell between April and June this year

Cases of hospital bugs MRSA and clostridium difficile have fallen in Scotland, new figures have revealed.

Data published by Health Protection Scotland showed rates of C.diff between April and June this year were down 7% on the previous quarter.

MRSA cases were also down 6% over the same period.

The Scottish Government said it had achieved a 90% compliance rate with new hand hygiene rules, a key part of their battle against the infections.

However, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon warned there could be "absolutely no room for complacency" in the war against healthcare associated infections (HAIs).

She added that there would now be a "zero tolerance" approach to health care staff who did not follow new hand washing rules.

People rightly expect the highest hygiene standards in our hospitals and I am determined that these will be met Nicola Sturgeon

Ms Sturgeon said: "Healthcare associated infections are not only devastating for their victims - they also shake people's trust that they will be well looked after in hospital.

"People rightly expect the highest hygiene standards in our hospitals and I am determined that these will be met to ensure confidence in hospital care is maintained."

According to the figures, 1,732 patients were affected by C.diff in Scotland's hospitals between April and June, compared with 1,861 for the previous quarter.

Despite the overall drop, health authorities in Ayrshire & Arran, Forth Valley, Highland, Lothian, Orkney, Tayside and the Western Isles all showed a slight increase in cases of the infection.

Greater compliance

And while cases of MRSA fell Scotland-wide from 197 to 185, a rise in cases was reported in Ayrshire & Arran, Borders, Fife, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Lothian.

The study also showed that compliance with hand washing regulations has risen 22% since February 2007.

Seven health boards have not yet reached the target, due in November.

MRSA infection numbers have reduced for the fifth consecutive quarter, and are 14% down on the same time last year.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is investing £54m in combating HAIs.

This includes the establishment of a national MRSA screening programme to help NHS boards meet the government target of a 30% reduction in infections by 2010.

Other elements are the prudent prescription of antibiotics and greater compliance with hand washing rules.

There will be another hand hygiene campaign in the NHS early next year.