Introduction by the Chair of the HAI Task Force
I am delighted to present this summary report of the work that has been achieved by the HAI Task Force over the first and second HAI work programmes which took place between January 2003 and March 2008. The focus of both programmes was principally to develop new approaches, improve standards and equip NHS Boards with the right tools to tackle the root causes of HAI. As revealed in this report, the impact of the two programmes has been felt across Scotland and across a broad range of NHS services, including leadership and management, education and training, clinical practice, risk management, and cleanliness and hygiene.
The main strength of the HAI Task Force is the close working relationships that have been forged between key NHS stakeholders, professional bodies and public interests which ensures that HAI policies and guidelines are robust in addressing the full spectrum of issues associated with infection prevention and control. As you will see from this report, the HAI Task Force has put in place a high quality programme of action over the last five years, which has stabilised rates of certain infections and reduced others, but we still have along way to go before we can say that Scotland has conquered this difficult problem. That is why I was delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has invited us to remain at the forefront of the Scottish Government's work in this area and has asked us to take charge of the work in the third Delivery Plan.
The work described in the Cabinet Secretary's foreword is just a flavour of what we have been tasked to do. It means that we will have some tough challenges to face over the next three years and obstacles to overcome in tackling HAI effectively, but the HAI Task Force will continue to support NHS Boards and work alongside all our key stakeholders, adapting our approach as necessary, to ensure that effective long term solutions are found to help bring HAI rates down across Scotland.
PAUL MARTIN
Chief Nursing Officer and Chair of the HAI Task Force
June 2008