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Superbug screening to be outlined MRSA superbug screening outlined
(about 23 hours later)
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon is to announce which areas are to run a year-long pilot screening programme for the superbug MRSA in hospitals. A year-long pilot screening programme for the superbug MRSA in hospitals has been announced by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
All patients in the trial areas will be given nasal swabs to test for the presence of MRSA. Almost one million people in the trial areas will be given nasal swabs to test for the presence of MRSA.
If it is detected, they will be given treatments to clear the bug.If it is detected, they will be given treatments to clear the bug.
The pilot scheme could lead to screening programmes being introduced across every health board in Scotland from 2009/10. NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Grampian and NHS Western Isles will be the first to introduce the scheme, which could be rolled out across the country.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to tackling the problem of infections in our hospitals, including MRSA." The boards will be responsible for running a programme of screening for all hospital patients, backed by £7m of new investment in 2008/09.
"I am confident that the establishment of a pilot MRSA screening programme will make a real difference in reducing the spread of MRSA in the participating areas and will give patients the peace of mind they deserve." Tackling infection
If the pilot is a success all boards will adopt the scheme in 2009/2010.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The screening programme will ensure that Scotland continues to lead the way in tackling healthcare associated infections like MRSA.
"The pilots will be an exhaustive test of the screening model and will ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made before the programme is rolled out across Scotland.
"I know that the fear of contracting an infection is one of the major concerns of patients going into hospital and I am confident that the screening programme will give them the reassurance they rightly expect."
The screening programme is a key plank of the third Healthcare Associated Infection Action Plan, which starts from 1 April, backed by a £54m investment.The screening programme is a key plank of the third Healthcare Associated Infection Action Plan, which starts from 1 April, backed by a £54m investment.