WIREDGOV

MRSA cases at eight year low in Scottish hospitals.

Scotland has the lowest level of MRSA since recording began according to the latest figures.

Statistics released today by Health Protection Scotland show a 17 per cent drop in cases between July to September 2013 compared to the previous quarter.

The figures also show that the number of people contracting Clostridium difficile (C diff) has dramatically reduced by 80 per cent since records began in 2007 despite a rise in the last three months.

The statistics show that health boards have made significant progress in tackling healthcare associated infections (HAIs).

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

“I am delighted to see that our efforts to tackle HAIs have seen levels of MRSA fall once again.

“These results show what can be achieved by supporting NHS staff to embed good practice across all NHS services.

“With this good practice firmly in place, and delivering positive results, we want to remind staff, patients and visitors that they all have a role to play in making sure good standards of cleanliness and hand hygiene are maintained.

“While we have made significant progress in this area, we can never be complacent about HAIs.

“We are introducing HAI Quality Improvement Facilitators to work with frontline staff, including staff from our world leading Patient Safety Programme, which continues to deliver remarkable results.

“These new roles will complement the range of infection control personnel already working in our NHS and healthcare associated infection policies thanks to £18.5 million annual funding from this Government.”