Vital statistics

The raw figures make for disturbing reading. According to a General Register Office for Scotland report published yesterday, there was a nine-fold increase between 1996 and 2007 in the number of deaths directly caused by the Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) superbug, from six to 53 (all but three of last year's total occuring in hospital). MRSA was a contributory factor in 174 deaths last year, compared with 28 in 1996. The figures confirm that hospital infections are taking an unacceptably high toll in Scotland, as if such a reminder were necessary after the outbreak of clostridium difficile (C Diff) at Vale of Leven Hospital that contributed to the death of 18 patients.