News probe sparks action call to wipe out killer superbugs

Samples taken from wards and public areas of the hospital found levels of the killer superbug are up to four times higher than those recommended as safe.

Secret testing was carried out using sterilised slides and was overseen by microbiology research firm Chemsol.

The bacteria, which has been dubbed a superbug because it is more difficult to treat than other infections, was found on objects ranging from a patient's dressing gown to a tap on a hand basin.

Nanette Milne, health spokeswoman for the Scottish Tories, said the results of the test were "a major concern".

She said: "For far too long, the Labour-Lib Dem controlled Executive has only paid lip service to tackling hospital-acquired infections. The Scottish Conservatives have consistently called for modern matrons or 'super sisters' to be put back in control of every hospital ward so there is somebody with visible authority to enforce cleanliness.

"The hospital has a duty to ensure they are doing all they can to make sure that such infections are minimised."

She added: "Assuming the tests carried out by the Evening News are robust and reliable, then they must be taken as a serious worry."

Today, Edinburgh City Council Liberal Democrat health spokesman Tom Ponton called for a report into NHS Lothian's plans to tackle the superbug.

He said: "It's clearly something that's not going away and doesn't seem to be getting any better.

"We haven't had any assurances from Lothian Health that they are doing anything about it.

"I think there should be a report by NHS Lothian to assure people of what they are doing. I think the whole thing needs to be subject to an independent inquiry into where the problem lies."

And Shona Robison, SNP health spokeswoman, said careful cleaning should be concentrated in clinical areas of the hospital in a bid to protect vulnerable pat-ients.

She said: "It is very difficult to keep public areas decontaminated at all times because as soon as someone touches a lift button it is potentially contaminated.

"You would have to have someone there cleaning all the time which is not feasible. What is feasible though is to direct cleaning to clinical areas to make sure that MRSA levels there are low and hopefully to eradicate MRSA from clinical areas because that is where the most vulnerable patients are."

She added: "Ideas like hands-free washbasins are a good idea. There are further measures that need to be taken, but the priority must be to tackle MRSA levels within clinical areas."

James Barbour, NHS Lothian Board chief executive, said: "MRSA testing is carried out on a regular and scientific basis in our hospitals and the results are published for the public and media to see.

"Our tests are carried out by experts who use the correct kit, are properly clean themselves and follow the correct procedures to get reliable results."

Latest statistics showed that a patient has a one-in-368 chance of contracting the MRSA bug during a ten-day stay at a Lothians hospital - the third-worst rate in the country.

HOW TO BEAT THE BUG

THE company which carried out the MRSA tests on behalf of the Evening News has said the spread of the disease could be curbed with the use of antibacterial products.

Chemsol Group Ltd, formed by microbiologist Dr Chris Malyszewicz, has developed a range of antibacterial products called Combact to help stop people picking up and passing on the deadly infection.

Dr Malyszewicz said: "I developed the Combact range because so many people were asking me what they could do about MRSA.

"There is a handwash, a shower gel and a bath foam aimed at elderly or infirm people who cannot cope with showers.

"They all contain a biocide which kills bacteria like MRSA, as well as viruses and fungi.

"People should use it if they are visiting someone in hospital, or if they are a patient, or if they work in a hospital."

For more information on Combact or the work of Chemsol in combating MRSA visit www.combactmrsa.com or e-mail [email protected]