Third of nurses lacks superbug training

Published on Friday 8 May 2009 22:11

ALMOST a third of nurses have not been trained on how to control infections within the past year, union leaders said today.

A survey carried out for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found 29 per cent of nurses in Scotland had not received mandatory annual infection-control training within the past 12 months.

It also found a quarter of nurses are undertaking infection-control training in their own time. The survey, carried out by ICM, further showed that 23 per cent of nurses had to store equipment in areas such as hospital bathrooms.

The union – representing 38,000 nurses in Scotland – is calling for resources to be redirected. Theresa Fyffe, RCN Scotland director said there was a "constant stream" of announcements from the Scottish Government on how to tackle healthcare-associated infections.

But she added: "Over a quarter of nurses in Scotland have not received their annual mandatory infection-control training in the last year.

"This survey further reveals the dedication of nursing staff to patient safety with some even undertaking infection-control training in their own time.

"We call on the government to consult with nurses and all healthcare staff so that there is an improved understanding of the difficulties faced by staff on the ground."

Peter Carter, RCN chief executive and general secretary, said:

"Having the time and space to clean and then store essential everyday hospital equipment is crucial in keeping patients safe from dangerous infections."

Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary, said: "NHS boards must take responsibility for ensuring training systems are in place and staff have sufficient time to undertake training."