PATIENTS and the public will be able to report poor hygiene in Scottish hospitals to a "superbug supremo" under plans unveiled yesterday.
The Scottish Government had already decided to set up an inspectorate to monitor hospital standards in the fight against infections such as Clostridium difficile and MRSA.
Nicola Sturgeon, the health secretary, has now announced that it will be
spearheaded by a chief inspector, whose role will include making sure the public can report their own concerns by phone or other methods.
The Care Environment Inspectorate, which will have an annual budget of more than £1 million, will investigate any issues raised, as well as carry out random checks on hospitals.
The Labour Party, which has been calling for a commissioner to oversee the superbug battle, welcomed the news but said it did not go far enough.
Ms Sturgeon, on a visit to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said the Scottish Government had put in place a package of measures to tackle hospital infections. These included screening patients for MRSA before they enter hospital and increasing the reporting of infections.
She went on: "It's crucial that we – and, more importantly, the public – are assured that this work is delivering the high standards everyone expects.
"The Care Environment Inspectorate's stringent, independent inspection regime will do just that."
Ms Sturgeon said the appointment of a chief inspector was vital to make the organisation a success.
"With the right person at the helm, offering strategic vision and strong leadership, I'm confident that the inspectorate will ensure all boards meet the highest possible standards.
"The opportunity for the public to contact the new inspectorate reflects my commitment to ensuring that the inspections have public confidence and support."
As part of the process, health boards will have to complete self-assessments on how they are dealing with infections. Inspection teams will carry out at least one planned visit and one random visit every three years, with extra checks as needed.
Last month, Scottish Labour outlined a 15-point plan to tackle infections, which included an independent commissioner.
Yesterday, the Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie welcomed the appointment of a chief inspector but said he or she needed to be given more powers.
"I urge the Scottish Government to go further by giving the new inspector the independence and clout to drive progress across the whole of the NHS, co-ordinate policy and tell ministers where they are failing," she said.
Theresa Fyffe, director of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, said the inspectorate teams should include qualified professionals, such as infection control nurses.
The full article contains 432 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
