Hospitals to screen patients on arrival for MRSA
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon will today announce a £54m funding package to tackle hospital superbugs.
The money will be spent on improving hygiene standards within wards, with a pilot scheme which will see patients entering hospital screened for the deadly MRSA bug part of the package of measures.
The investment marks a three-fold increase in the amount which has been spent on tackling healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in the past three years and Ms Sturgeon said it sent out a message about how seriously the Scottish Government takes the issue.
She said: "I know that patients and the public, rightly, expect the highest standards. Confirmation that we are massively increasing the amount of investment demonstrates the vital importance the Scottish Government places on tackling hospital infections.
"The development of an MRSA screening programme demonstrates our determination to tackle one of the main sources of hospital infection."
The screening pilot will start next year, with a view to it being rolled out across the country in 2009.
Research has revealed nearly one in 10 patients in Scotland's acute hospitals pick up an infection during their stay, at a cost of £183m a year.
MRSA is one of the most common problems, accounting for an estimated one in six hospital infection cases.
Hospitals which check patients for the bug ahead of treatment and isolate carriers have reported good results.
The Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank, where the system is in place, has not had a single MRSA infection for two years.
NHS boards will also be set a target of demonstrating at least 90% hand hygiene compliance by this time next year.
The Health Secretary's announcement was welcomed by Labour.
Margaret Curran, the party's Shadow Health Secretary, said: "Labour made tackling hospital acquired infections a key priority in government and real progress was made.
"It is vital the SNP continue to prioritise this work and don't become complacent."
Meanwhile, a health chief yesterday called for a national debate on the future of the NHS. Professor Sir John Arbuthnott, chairman of Greater Glasgow Health Board, said the 60th anniversary of the service was the time to look at healthcare in the future.
He said: "People pay tax, and the fundamental basis of the NHS is that the delivery of that through taxation should be free at the point of delivery.
"That already is an over-simplification because we can't deliver our service in Greater Glasgow or anywhere else without fantastic co-operation between patients' families, their carers and volunteers."
Mr Arbuthnott said a debate would enable a discussion about what the health service's priorities should be.
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Posted by: nhs visitor, Glasgow on 8:18am Mon 26 Nov 07
During several visits to a Ward in the Royal Infirmary in December 2006 not once was I coached by staff on entering or leaving to wash my hands to guard against MRSA spreading. On the last occasion the Ward was far from busy with visitors with about six staff on duty. I realise there is a duty of care for visitors and staff but this must be driven by nhs management and scottish government who need to make hospitals cleaner and safer places (and probably use of full time nhs cleaners again). This is not a criticism of the high standard of care my friend was given by all nhs staff.
During several visits to a Ward in the Royal Infirmary in December 2006 not once was I coached by staff on entering or leaving to wash my hands to guard against MRSA spreading. On the last occasion the Ward was far from busy with visitors with about six staff on duty. I realise there is a duty of care for visitors and staff but this must be driven by nhs management and scottish government who need to make hospitals cleaner and safer places (and probably use of full time nhs cleaners again). This is not a criticism of the high standard of care my friend was given by all nhs staff.
Posted by: withheld, glasgow on 9:21am Mon 26 Nov 07
I work as a registered nurse and have worked in Germany and the Netherlands were there is virtually no MRSA.I listened on the radio to work this morning Miss sturgeon saying this is not a scottish problem but a Global problem well she is wrong and stats from the world health org will prove that this is predominatley a U.K. and Australian problem,In ther netherlands they have eradicated this bug by simple measures and that is to control visiting times,isolate identified cases and Barrier nurse them also visitors to those infected patients must wear protective clothing,masks and disposable overshoes,the cleaning is done by nusring staff and nothing comes out of the room that is not 100% clean.but In this country a wee blue apron and a pair of gloves with contracted cleaners giving a wee wipe with a cloth is how we tackle this problem maybe Miss sturgeon and those Health Board Managers who think they know how to truely care for patients should look at the Private sector and other Europaen countries to see how high standards of patient care can be delivered within modern well equipped hospitals and at the same time still save money and run a buisness.
I work as a registered nurse and have worked in Germany and the Netherlands were there is virtually no MRSA.I listened on the radio to work this morning Miss sturgeon saying this is not a scottish problem but a Global problem well she is wrong and stats from the world health org will prove that this is predominatley a U.K. and Australian problem,In ther netherlands they have eradicated this bug by simple measures and that is to control visiting times,isolate identified cases and Barrier nurse them also visitors to those infected patients must wear protective clothing,masks and disposable overshoes,the cleaning is done by nusring staff and nothing comes out of the room that is not 100% clean.but In this country a wee blue apron and a pair of gloves with contracted cleaners giving a wee wipe with a cloth is how we tackle this problem maybe Miss sturgeon and those Health Board Managers who think they know how to truely care for patients should look at the Private sector and other Europaen countries to see how high standards of patient care can be delivered within modern well equipped hospitals and at the same time still save money and run a buisness.
Posted by: newtown, ayrshire on 12:02pm Mon 26 Nov 07
Bleach, Bleach and mair Bleach is the answer. Get the Matron roon wi her white gloves oan tae mak shair the place is weel kept. Gie the cleaners the richt tools tae dae the joab tae mak shair the Matron is kept unco happy. As Ah sed Bleach, Bleach and mair Bleach!!!!!
Bleach, Bleach and mair Bleach is the answer. Get the Matron roon wi her white gloves oan tae mak shair the place is weel kept. Gie the cleaners the richt tools tae dae the joab tae mak shair the Matron is kept unco happy. As Ah sed Bleach, Bleach and mair Bleach!!!!!
Posted by: Rock Lobster, in a wee hole on 1:09pm Mon 26 Nov 07
Cleaners,Cleaners and mair Cleaners
Mrs T privatised the cleaning services in the 80s, half the cleaners lost there jobs, nothing has been done to correct this blunder.
Cleaners,Cleaners and mair Cleaners
Mrs T privatised the cleaning services in the 80s, half the cleaners lost there jobs, nothing has been done to correct this blunder.
Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 2:26pm Mon 26 Nov 07
Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
Notice the spin from Hootsmon?
If it was a bad story it would read "Scottish/ SNP Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health SNP secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
"
[bold]26/11/2007 - the day the hootsmons credibilty died![/bold]
Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
Notice the spin from Hootsmon?
If it was a bad story it would read "Scottish/ SNP Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health SNP secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
"
26/11/2007 - the day the hootsmons credibilty died! Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 2:28pm Mon 26 Nov 07
I copy and pasted that all wrong. I meant the headline above versus the inflection from hootsmon below :
"Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
"
I copy and pasted that all wrong. I meant the headline above versus the inflection from hootsmon below :
"Government commits £54 million to fight against hospital superbugs
Breaking news
A £54 million war against hospital infections, including superbugs, was today declared by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
"
Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 2:48pm Mon 26 Nov 07
[bold]now the hootsmon has changed it's headline!!! LOL they must read the herald!!!![/bold]
[bold]"Scottish Government commits £54 million to fight against superbugs"[/bold]
now the hootsmon has changed it's headline!!! LOL they must read the herald!!!!
"Scottish Government commits £54 million to fight against superbugs" Posted by: wax off, wax on 3:52pm Mon 26 Nov 07
is this the Juan Kerr column?
is this the Juan Kerr column?
Posted by: bob dobolina, Edimbra. ETHENPPEE! AND FWEEDOM on 4:09pm Mon 26 Nov 07
[quote][bold]wax off[/bold] wrote:
is this the Juan Kerr column?[/quote] He obviously stiirs you up in side. I have a sugestion for a proper moniker for you as witty as juans?
[bold]KARATE SQUID[/bold] ? - LOL - It may have too much backbone for you?
wax off wrote:
is this the Juan Kerr column?
He obviously stiirs you up in side. I have a sugestion for a proper moniker for you as witty as juans?
KARATE SQUID ? - LOL - It may have too much backbone for you?
Posted by: maragdubh, lewis on 5:42pm Mon 26 Nov 07
[quote][bold]withheld[/bold] wrote:
I work as a registered nurse and have worked in Germany and the Netherlands were there is virtually no MRSA.I listened on the radio to work this morning Miss sturgeon saying this is not a scottish problem but a Global problem well she is wrong and stats from the world health org will prove that this is predominatley a U.K. and Australian problem,In ther netherlands they have eradicated this bug by simple measures and that is to control visiting times,isolate identified cases and Barrier nurse them also visitors to those infected patients must wear protective clothing,masks and disposable overshoes,the cleaning is done by nusring staff and nothing comes out of the room that is not 100% clean.but In this country a wee blue apron and a pair of gloves with contracted cleaners giving a wee wipe with a cloth is how we tackle this problem maybe Miss sturgeon and those Health Board Managers who think they know how to truely care for patients should look at the Private sector and other Europaen countries to see how high standards of patient care can be delivered within modern well equipped hospitals and at the same time still save money and run a buisness.[/quote] No. No need to look at the private sector for any guidance. just turn the clock back 30- years mind you nurses were nurses then, trusted and respected and in charge of their wards and patients. yes they were the good old days good for patients and good for hospitals and the community. Lots of us around who can compare the mess of today with that of not so long ago. btw. I hear phonics are a new discovery in teachin kids to read wonders never cease.
withheld wrote:
I work as a registered nurse and have worked in Germany and the Netherlands were there is virtually no MRSA.I listened on the radio to work this morning Miss sturgeon saying this is not a scottish problem but a Global problem well she is wrong and stats from the world health org will prove that this is predominatley a U.K. and Australian problem,In ther netherlands they have eradicated this bug by simple measures and that is to control visiting times,isolate identified cases and Barrier nurse them also visitors to those infected patients must wear protective clothing,masks and disposable overshoes,the cleaning is done by nusring staff and nothing comes out of the room that is not 100% clean.but In this country a wee blue apron and a pair of gloves with contracted cleaners giving a wee wipe with a cloth is how we tackle this problem maybe Miss sturgeon and those Health Board Managers who think they know how to truely care for patients should look at the Private sector and other Europaen countries to see how high standards of patient care can be delivered within modern well equipped hospitals and at the same time still save money and run a buisness.
No. No need to look at the private sector for any guidance. just turn the clock back 30- years mind you nurses were nurses then, trusted and respected and in charge of their wards and patients. yes they were the good old days good for patients and good for hospitals and the community. Lots of us around who can compare the mess of today with that of not so long ago. btw. I hear phonics are a new discovery in teachin kids to read wonders never cease.
Posted by: staff nurse, glasgow on 11:43pm Mon 26 Nov 07
why are they not swabbing the staff?? is it because that there would then be no one at work at all because we would all be on vancomycin which would then be useless as it becomes resistant. all this talk of there is no evidence etc for the staff as carriers is nonsense.. we all have it and so does all the community and all the doctors and .............
why are they not swabbing the staff?? is it because that there would then be no one at work at all because we would all be on vancomycin which would then be useless as it becomes resistant. all this talk of there is no evidence etc for the staff as carriers is nonsense.. we all have it and so does all the community and all the doctors and .............
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