DOCTORS and nurses who do not wash their hands could be sacked under tough new rules to prevent the spread of superbugs.

DOCTORS and nurses who do not wash their hands could be sacked under tough new rules to prevent the spread of superbugs.

The Scottish Government is to introduce "zero tolerance" on hand hygiene for hospital staff next month.

Those who repeatedly fail to comply with hand- washing guidelines have been warned they could face disciplinary action when the new rules are implemented.

The move came as it emerged six babies who were being treated at a special care baby unit have tested positive for MRSA.

The cases at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow were identified during routine testing, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said.

The bug was said to have "colonised" the babies, meaning it was on their skin, but did not cause them harm.

Ministers previously set a 90% target for hand washing, to be met by February next year. They now believe that target has been achieved ahead of schedule, but that still leaves up to 10% of staff failing to wash their hands often enough.

An aide to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was "unacceptable" for medical staff to flout hygiene rules.

He said: "Hand hygiene is an important part of our drive to tackle healthcare associated infection. NHS Scotland has met the target to achieve at least 90% compliance.

"We are now adopting a zero tolerance approach to non-compliance and all Boards are expected to implement this policy from January 2009."

He added that a campaign would start next month to raise awareness of the high standards being set. He added: "All staff should be in no doubt that the highest standards are expected."

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said none of the babies was giving any cause for concern as a result of the colonised MRSA and all have been discharged.