Stevenson Welcomes Progress In Fight Against Hospital Acquired Infections In Grampian

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the publication of new figures which show how hospital acquired infections (HAIs) have fallen since the election of the SNP Government.

There were 151 C-diff cases in Grampian during the last quarter the previous administration was in power, compared to 54 in the second quarter of 2010. MRSA cases have fallen from 22 at the end of the previous administration to just 1 case in Grampian in the last quarter.‬‪ ‬‪

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:‬‪‬‪‪

"The progress that these latest figures show is being made in the fight against Hospital Acquired Infections in Grampian is extremely encouraging and is testament to the determination of NHS Grampian staff to tackle the problem head on.‬‪

"In comparison to the complacency we saw on the issue under the previous Labour – Lib Dem administration, the SNP Government moved quickly upon taking office to conduct the biggest ever survey of where such infections are taking place and to establish a Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.‬‪

"The Scottish Government has also invested a record £50 million in tackling the problem and I am delighted to see that these measures are clearly having an effect.‬‪

"These actions combined with the hard work of NHS staff are why we are seeing real progress after the complacency of the previous administration. These figures are extremely welcome and I am optimistic we will see further progress in the future."‬