Hand hygiene plea to cut infection rates in Scotland

Hand washing for 15 seconds at a time is key to preventing infections such as the norovirus, Scottish health chiefs have said.

Chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns and chief nursing officer Ros Moore issued the reminder on Global Hand Hygiene Day.

Ms Moore said: "Try singing Happy Birthday twice through as a rough guide for how long it should take."

Official figures suggested 35 people died from flu in Scotland this winter.

It is estimated that every year up to one quarter of the population may be affected by an episode of norovirus.

Sir Harry said there was no excuse for people not to wash their hands.

He added: "It is particularly important when you are in hospital - whether you are a member of staff, visitor or patient - that you wash your hands properly to help prevent the spread of infection."

Recent statistics indicated that 95% of NHS staff were complying with hand hygiene guidelines, the Scottish government said.

Rates of the Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection among people over 65 have fallen by 82% since 2007.

MRSA cases have reduced by 79% over the same period.