The number of cases of MRSA and C. difficile in Scottish hospitals both fell in the last three months, according to new figures published by Health Protection Scotland.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the news, but stressed that work on tackling such healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) must continue.

Between April and June this year cases of MRSA fell by six per cent from 197 to 185 compared to the previous quarter, while cases of C. difficile fell by seven per cent from 1,861 to 1,732. MRSA is now at its lowest level since late 2003.

"People rightly expect the highest hygiene standards in our hospitals and I am determined that these will be met to ensure confidence in hospital care is maintained," Sturgeon said.

"But there can be absolutely no room for complacency – especially since progress has been uneven across the country. In recognition of the paramount importance we place on tackling all HAIs, the Scottish Government is investing a record £54 million in combating them.

"This includes the establishment of a national MRSA screening programme to help NHS boards meet our target of a 30 per cent reduction in infections by 2010. Other key elements of our war on superbugs include prudent prescribing of antibiotics and greater compliance with hand washing rules."

According to the Scottish Government, its aim of ensuring 90 per cent adoption of its hand hygiene guidelines has been met ahead of target. This will now be replaced a zero tolerance approach to hand hygiene, with an associated NHS Scotland campaign to promote this early next year.

However, nurses' organisation RCN Scotland today raised concerns about the level of funding for new healthcare initiatives, arguing that important new measures on tackling HAIs have not been met with any new funding commitments.

"In terms of tackling HAIs, the new initiatives included in the HAI delivery plan and the proposal for HAI inspection teams will require additional funding on top of the original projections for 2009/10 made a year ago, but the budget has not been increased," said Theresa Fyffe, director of RCN Scotland.

"We would like the Health Committee to press the Government on how it plans to realign health spending to reflect all of the priorities that the Government has announced in the last year, and will be asking the Health Committee to take these issues forward with the Government after today's evidence session," she added.