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SCOTTISH LABOUR has accused the SNP of “complacency” as cases of hospital-onset Covid-19 reach their highest point in over seven months.
Analysis of the most recent Public Health Scotland data, which covers the period up to September 26, has revealed a sharp spike in “definite hospital onset” Covid-19 cases.
These cases shot up by a shocking 70 per cent in a single week, from 37 cases in the week ending September 19 to 63 in the week ending September 26.
This takes levels to their highest point since mid-February.
In addition to the 63 definite cases in the week ending September 26, there were a further 36 “probable” cases of hospital onset Covid-19 and 34 “indeterminate” hospital onset cases.
Overall, there have been more than 4,000 cases of definite hospital onset Covid-19 recorded.
Scottish Labour said this is a sign of the pressure hospitals are under, calling for the SNP to do more to keep hospitals safe and ensure staff can get their booster vaccines.
Scottish Labour health and Covid recovery spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “It is disgraceful that so many people going into hospital for help to get better are then exposed to a life-threatening virus.
“Things are now the worst that they have been since the early days of the vaccine programme.
“This is yet another sign of the immense pressure services are under. NHS staff are working tirelessly to keep hospitals running and keep patients safe, but they are being badly let down.
“The SNP must act with the urgency needed to roll out the booster programme and make sure hospitals have everything they need to keep patients and staff safe.”
A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “Ensuring people are able to access safe and effective care while in hospital is our top priority – and rigorous Covid-19 protocols are in place.
“As patients with Covid-19 continue to be admitted to hospitals the risk of hospital transmission remains.
“This ensures that we can provide the right care and treatment for patients whilst utilising enhanced infection prevention and control measures to reduce the opportunity for further transmission.”
