Hospital Associated Infection Inspection Team
16/01/2009
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Argyll & Bute; Mid Highland; North Highland; South East Highland
Tackling Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) successfully is a top priority for the Scottish Government. However the recent events have identified shortcomings in terms of governance, infrastructure, professional practice and leadership. As a consequence, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing asked for a more transparent process of external assurance, that will provide reports to the public that the care environment is clean and safe and that processes are in place to prevent, detect and tackle HAI.
Late in 2008, the Scottish Government Health Directorate circulated a consultation document on the proposal to introduce an independent Hospital Associated Infection (HAI) Inspection team. The proposed new Inspectorate will comprise of a core team of professionals attached to NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. The inspection reports, produced by the new Inspectorate will be published to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
NHS Highland submitted a response to the consultation, which consisted of both staff and public / patient views. Due to the time constraints posed by the consultation, however, it wasn't possible to undertake a wide public / patient consultation locally.
