Labour wins support for plans to combat superbugs

Published on Wednesday 11 February 2009 21:21

AN ACTION plan to tackle hospital infections such as MRSA and C difficile has received cross-party backing from MSPs.

Today the Scottish Parliament will debate how to cut hospital superbugs following a 15-point plan produced by infection experts for the Labour Party.

The plan includes a target to reduce cases of C diff by 50 per cent by 2011, compared with a current target of 30 per cent.

The plan also calls for a single NHS commissioner to take charge of the infections initiative and for the installation of sensor-operated taps to help prevent the spread of bugs.

Labour said the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, the Green Party and the independent MSP Margo MacDonald had all indicated their support for the party's motion calling for the plan to be implemented.

Jackie Baillie, a Labour MSP, said: "This is about providing a comprehensive and effective plan to cut the number of C difficile cases by 50 per cent by March 2011. It is supported by parties across the chamber and by the families of those who have lost loved ones."

Ahead of today's debate, the Royal College of Nursing Scotland is also calling on the Scottish Government and health boards to carry out an audit of facilities for hand-washing in all of hospitals and healthcare environments.