Scotland's health minister has called on NHS staff to redouble their efforts to tackle the problem of hospital acquired infections (HAI).

Malcolm Chisholm said that although dealing with HAI's was "a never ending task" it should remain high on the priority list of every NHS worker north of the border.

The minister, speaking at the fifth conference of the Hospital Infection Society being held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, said infection control was of paramount importance.

HAI's, which affect around 9% of hospital patients in Scotland, are illnesses picked up by people during their time in hospitals.

Improving hygiene and patient safety is like painting the Forth Bridge - a never-ending task

Malcolm Chisholm Health Minister

An estimated 100,000 people pick up an HAI every year in the UK, making it the most common post-operative complication.

The problem also leads to the blocking of hundreds of hospital beds.

General hygiene on the wards plays a crucial part in preventing infection, but all hospitals also have infection control teams.

Mr Chisholm said the most effective way of tackling the problem was through leadership.

'Improving hygiene'

He said: "While managers have an important role to play, clinical staff must be the key influence in improving infection control."

He said ward level workers as well as physicians, surgeons and nurse managers all had an important role to play in preventing the spread of infection.

"There are many risks to be managed in the health care sector and with so many other threats to counter there's a real danger that we lose sight of the importance of infection control.

Malcolm Chisholm: "Never ending task"

"We must, however, keep infection control high on the list of NHS priorities and that means continually reminding health professionals and managers of the important of vigilance, concerted action and alert monitoring."

The minister added: "I note that the theme of the conference is how old problems never go away but that doesn't stop new ones arriving and that certainly is the case in Scotland.

"Improving hygiene and patient safety is like painting the Forth Bridge - a never-ending task."

The Hospital Infection Society is a British based organisation with members from 60 countries, most of whom are qualified microbiologists.