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C.diff cases halved
08/04/2010
The number of C.diff and MRSA cases is continuing to fall in Scotland, with C.diff numbers down by almost half.
The latest statistics, published today by Health Protection Scotland, show C.diff cases have fallen by 48 per cent when compared with the same period last year.
Key points in today's figures, which cover the period October to December 2009, include:
- There were 672 cases of C.diff in over 65s - down 48 per cent (from 1,299) when compared with the same period last year
- C.diff cases have now fallen for seven consecutive quarters and are at their lowest since monitoring began
- There were 119 cases of MRSA - down 26 per cent (from 161), compared with the same period last year
- This is the second lowest number of MRSA cases in any quarter since monitoring began
- The number of cases of C.diff in 15-64 year olds has fallen by 28 per cent, from 327 to 235, compared with the previous quarter, although this is only the third quarter in which this age group has been reported and these numbers should be treated with caution
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I have made tackling hospital infections my top priority and today's figures clearly show that our strenuous efforts are reaping rewards.
"Patients can be reassured that we are continuing to see significant falls in the numbers of C.diff and MRSA cases, which should help to build confidence in the standards being applied across Scottish hospitals.
"When it comes to hospital infections we may be winning the battle, however, as the outbreak earlier this week at Perth Royal Infirmary reminded us, we have not yet won the war.
"This Scottish Government has overseen a 62 per cent reduction in the numbers of C.diff cases since 2007 but everyone must remain vigilant to ensure that case numbers continue to fall.
"To that end I have tasked Health Protection Scotland to consider what additional steps need to be taken to allow us to deliver even further reductions in MRSA and C.Diff case numbers. This work will inform future targets for NHS Boards and ensure that we continue to improve on the delivery of quality patient care and outcomes.
"The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate also has a key role to play in driving up standards and I am confident that their inspection process will ensure that our hospitals continue to deliver the high standards of cleanliness and infection control that patients deserve."
An extensive range of initiatives has been introduced to tackle healthcare associated infections. These include:
- Independent, unannounced inspections from the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate
- Public reporting of hospital by hospital performance on key indicators such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, hand hygiene and cleaning
- Tripling funding to tackle Healthcare Associated Infection - to over 50 pounds million over three years - to support a more comprehensive HAI Delivery Plan
- Providing hundreds of additional cleaning staff across NHS Scotland funded by an extra £5 million from 2009-10
- A single website to give access to national and local information
- Pre-admission screening for MRSA
- 100 per cent single room provision in all new build hospitals
- Zero tolerance on hand hygiene
- Additional funding for prudent prescribing of antibiotics
- Revamp of the Senior Charge Nurse role, with responsibility for ensuring ward cleanliness
- Introduction of a new staff uniform and dress code