A further
reduction in hospital mortality figures is a signal of high standards in
Scotland’s NHS, Alex Neil said this week.
The Health
Secretary was commentating as the latest hospital standardised mortality ratios
showed a 14.2% reduction in hospital mortality since October to December
2007.
Mr Neil said:
“This Government’s commitment to the NHS is unwavering – as
demonstrated by our decision to protect funding for our health
service.
“And the
results are clear to see. First we are seeing substantial increases in nursing
and staff numbers.
“Staffing
across the NHS has increased by more than 6 per cent since 2006. This is good
news for patients in itself – but it delivers real improvements
elsewhere.
“We have
also seen a further fall in mortality rates – a direct result of our
world leading patient safety programme.
“But that
programme would be nothing without our dedicated staff to deliver it. The
people who work in the NHS are those who deserve the credit for the success
story that is our health service.
“That is why
have invested and will go on investing to ensure there are the right numbers of
staff, in the right place with the right tools to do the job we all value so
highly.”
Prof Jason Leitch,
Clinical Director for NHS Scotland, said: “Our NHS is working to deliver
the safest possible hospitals we can in Scotland.
“It is a
long term programme, but today’s figures show we are continuing to reduce
hospital mortality.
“That is
reflection of the commitment of staff across Scotland to safety. However, there
is more we can call do – as there always will be on safety. We must never
stop focussing on safety as a top priority and today’s statistics should
help all of the NHS to renew our focus and go on delivering, safe person
centred care to thousands of people across Scotland, 365 days a
year.”