Malcolm Chisholm: Seeking action

Recent research in Scotland showed that the equivalent of two large hospitals are full every day of people with hospital acquired infections.

Mr Chisholm said: "The public perception is that patients are being treated in hospitals that, in some cases, are failing to deliver basic standards of cleanliness.

"The public perception is that there is an ever increasing risk of them catching infection while in hospital.

"And sadly, the public perception is that too little is being done in the NHS to address it."

The minister said basic standards of cleanliness must be met.

He said: "I believe that patients have a right to be treated in a clean and safe environment when they go into hospital.

'Lead the way'

"And everyone in the NHS - managers, clinicians and support staff - need to play their part in taking this issue seriously if we are to reduce the impact of HAI on patients.

"But I believe that NHS managers, from the top, must lead the way in ensuring that is exactly what patients receive."

The minister has also detailed measures under way to tackle the issue.

These include an international summit bringing together NHS management, nurses, clinicians, microbiologists and pharmaceutical companies.

Other measures include plans for consultation over a national training scheme on infection control for up to 3,500 frontline nurses who will act as "cleanliness champions" on the wards.

External checks by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland on how well hospitals are meeting new national standards on infection control are also planned.