Eleven healthcare staff, including doctors and senior nursing staff from a range of wards, have successfully completed an education programme developed by NHS Education Scotland.

The staff, based at Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary, are carrying the flag for infection control, which will eventually see another 40 staff from nursing, medical and ancillary services working to lower the incidence of hospital infection.

NHS Tayside Acute Services Division chief executive Gerry Marr today presented the champions with certificates to mark the occasion at an event at Ninewells Hospital.

He said, “Maintaining high standards of infection control precautions and practice within hospitals is of the highest importance.

Mr Marr went on, “Healthcare Acquired Infection (HAI) is an ongoing problem for hospitals because MRSA in particular is something a percentage of the population carries and it’s entirely harmless until it is passed on.

“Over the coming months there are a number of initiatives being brought in, including housekeepers to monitor hygiene standards and cleaning procedures in Ninewells, and we’ll be reviewing cleaning frequencies.

“The Champions will be working in specific areas of cleaning and infection control, like hand-washing and proper disposal of sharps and will be supported by our team of infection control nurses.

“In situations where patients are immuno-suppressed to help treat their conditions they are more susceptible to infection. In that sense it is unreasonable to compare Ninewells Hospital with small, regional hospitals which don’t carry out those procedures.”

Mr Marr said figures showed Ninewells compares favourably with other hospitals which do carry out similar procedures, but stressed the long-term aim of everyone within NHS Tayside was still to cut the infection rates to zero.

“That’s the aim and we will continue to work towards achieving that.”

The course undertaken by the Champions focused on the chain of infection, hand hygiene, maintaining a clean healthcare environment and safe use and disposal of sharps along with the safe handling and disposal of waste, food hygiene and pest control.

“Our Cleanliness Champions will undertake their new role as an integral part of their existing job and will allow us to become increasingly pro-active in the ongoing battle against HAI.”

The Scottish Executive has launched a number of initiatives aimed at lowering the incidence of HAI, spearheaded by a Ministerial Action Plan to reduce the risk of HAI to patients, staff and visitors.

In addition to their training, the champions will act as role models, promoting the prevention and control of HAI within their team and department.

A further 40 staff from nursing, medical and ancillary services who are also on the course will spend the afternoon in workshops exploring ways to improve the initiative.

The group will discuss how to take forward their new roles as well as how to evaluate the value and impact of their training on patient care.