Finnie: Cost of carelessness too high (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Finnie: Cost of carelessness too high

December 22, 2008 11:27 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Ross Finnie MSP, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson, has called for strict hygiene standards to be adhered to as the cost of infections to the Scottish economy become clear.

In what Mr Finnie describes as "the cost of carelessness", the huge cost suffered by Scottish business to the spread of infections such as the norovirus and MRSA is made worse by the neglect of simple hygiene standards like washing hands.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"It is a fact that infections such as the winter vomiting bug, MRSA and E-Coli can all be significantly reduced if simple hygiene precautions are taken.

"The Health Protection Agency has estimated that these infections cost the NHS in Scotland £183 million every year. The cost to the Scottish economy is also vast with £12 million per week being lost due to sick days and lost business.

"In the current economic climate, this is a situation we can ill afford.

"So, to save the NHS and the economy losing money and more importantly to avoid thousands of unnecessary infections, strict hygiene standards need to be adhered to. Both Scottish hospitals and Scottish homes should be vigilant, know the risks and take action to prevent preventable infection."