| The move follows a joint bid today by NHS Lothian and the RCN to tackle the problem in the Edinburgh area. It comes hard on the heels of the closure of Ward 11 at Ninewells Hospital a week past Saturday after 16 out of 24 patients were tested positive for the antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The ‘Wipe it Out’ campaign was first launched in May and includes the use of materials such as leaflets to provide advice to patients and visitors on how to avoid spreading the bug. Other guidance for healthcare professionals outlines how to control infection and prevent its spread.
It is designed to promote common sense practice in hospitals by patients, staff and visitors.
A spokesperson for the RCN said today, “NHS Lothian is only the second board with whom we have joined forces to do a formal launch, but we would certainly try to do that in Tayside. We will hopefully be having discussions with them today to discuss further details.”
NHS Tayside said the RCN materials had been circulated in the region some time ago. A spokesperson said the health authority was keen to follow NHS Lothian’s example but stressed the move was not a reaction to the MRSA-related ward closure at Ninewells.
“Many of the recommendations in the RCN campaign are already being adhered to in Tayside,” said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, there are still no plans to reopen Ward 11 at Ninewells to new admissions. |
