New cleaning code aims to beat superbugs

Published on Thursday 4 June 2009 09:35

HOSPITALS across the Lothians are to adopt stringent new cleaning standards in a bid to beat superbugs, it was announced today.

The new Scottish Government measures include stricter guidance on the use of steam cleaners, another drive on hand hygiene, and a new colour coding system to ensure correct uniforms are used in only their designated areas.

It is the latest in a long line of Holyrood directives on cleaning as health secretary Nicola Sturgeon attempts to reduce cases of MRSA and C.diff across the country.

"Tackling hospital infections is my top priority," she said. "That's why we are investing 54 million over three years on a range of initiatives designed to drive down infection rates and reduce patients' risk of exposure.

"There is no single solution to this complex problem, but good cleaning has a key part to play and must continue to be a high priority for all NHS boards.

"Standards of hospital cleaning have vastly improved in recent years, but patients and the public have to be confident in the quality of hospital cleanliness.

"We must also strive for continuous improvement which is why we set rigorous and demanding targets for NHS Boards. The revised cleaning specification is part of this process."