Plans to take on hospital superbugs stretch staff, say nurses

Published on Thursday 5 March 2009 21:06

SCHEMES to tackle hospital superbugs in Scotland must be properly co-ordinated and fully financed, nurses will tell politicians today.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will tell a meeting at the Scottish Labour Party Conference that the initiatives being announced by the Scottish Government to tackle healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are putting a strain on staff.

But Nicola Sturgeon, the health secretary, said she made no apology for introducing new measures, such as screening for MRSA and tougher cleaning standards.

Theresa Fyffe, director of RCN Scotland, said: "Rarely a week goes by without a new way to tackle HAIs being announced by the government. All of these activities are putting additional strain on the limited number of infection control nurses and nurse epidemiologists who work for our NHS.

"It is imperative that the government supports the workforce to grow and adapt to meet the challenge of HAIs."

Speaking at the RCN Scotland meeting, Carol Anne Knox, a charge nurse in NHS Lothian, will outline the challenges facing those on the front line.

Yesterday she said: "Leadership on the ward is vital if we are to tackle HAIs.

"Senior charge nurses need to be given the authority, appropriate resources and support they need to run the ward and ensure safe and effective patient care. They must also have clear and unambiguous communication channels with senior management."

Ms Sturgeon said: "Nobody should doubt this government's commitment to tackling HAIs. We have acted swiftly, increasing spending by 260 per cent and putting in place a comprehensive programme which the latest figures show is now beginning to reap rewards."