Hospitals in Scotland will be given a steam-driven deep clean in the latest move to tackle infections, it was announced today.
Hospitals in Scotland will be given a steam-driven deep clean in the latest move to tackle infections, it was announced today.
The Scottish Government is investing £400,000 on 250 steam cleaners across the NHS.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the method was a proven success in combating potentially lethal MRSA and Clostridium difficile.
"Tackling healthcare-associated infections is my top priority because it's vital that the public have confidence in the care they will receive if they need hospital treatment," she said.
"Steam cleaning is a particularly effective way of cleaning areas affected by C diff and substantially increasing the number of steam cleaners available to the NHS will ensure they are available locally when needed."
There are currently 20 machines available to the NHS but now all health boards will be given their own.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will get 61 steam cleaners worth £98,400 - the lion's share of the investment.
NHS Grampian will get 22 cleaners worth £35,200 and NHS Lothian will get 32 machines with £52,000.
Each steam cleaner costs £1,600 to buy.
Labour welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to provide additional resources for steam cleaning in NHS hospitals, but the party called for a more wide-ranging approach to tackling infections.
Health spokeswoman Cathy Jamieson said: "Nicola Sturgeon's response to C difficile has been complacent and piecemeal. We welcome additional resources for steam cleaning in NHS hospitals, but it needs to be part of a comprehensive approach to cut infections.
"Scottish Labour has offered the Government an effective action plan with an ambitious target to cut the number of C diff cases by 50% by March 2011.
"Our proposals also include better hand washing facilities and the appointment of an independent commissioner to drive progress. The plan has cross-party support and the Government should adopt it in full."
