HEALTH workers who fail to clean their hands can now be sacked after the Scottish Government introduced its "zero tolerance" policy on poor hygiene.

HEALTH workers who fail to clean their hands can now be sacked after the Scottish Government introduced its "zero tolerance" policy on poor hygiene.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced the toughest standards yet as she visited the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow.

And repeat offenders will face losing their jobs if they refuse to clean up their act.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Hand hygiene is a simple but essential part of our drive to tackle infections in hospitals, for everyone from consultants to clerical staff.

"That's why we are now adopting a zero tolerance approach to non-compliance by NHS staff to ensure we build on the great progress that has already been made."

NHS staff are regularly reminded about "opportunities" for hand hygiene, from using alcohol gel on entering a ward to washing hands with soap and water after seeing a patient with a tummy bug.

Doctors are the worst offenders, with just 84% washing their hands or using alcohol-based gels every time it is appropriate. The equivalent figures for nurses is 92%.

But the minister made it clear hospital workers had to get it right every time to protect patients.

She warned: "Hand hygiene is not difficult and it is unacceptable for staff not to comply with guidance and procedures.

"It simply has to become a routine part of all health workers' daily lives.

"The highest standards are expected and must be delivered."

A government spokeswoman said staff found breaking the rules would be offered advice and training.

But she added: "If the failures continued when there was no excuse, then people would go through the range of sanctions - verbal and written warnings and ultimately dismissal."

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the largest health board in Scotland, welcomed the new hard line on hygiene.

A spokeswoman said: "We are already working with the Scottish Government to reinforce the importance of good hand hygiene to all our patients and visitors as well as continuing to emphasise this message to our staff.

"It has been made explicitly clear to staff that failure to comply with our strict hand hygiene policy around these vital procedures could result in disciplinary action.

"Clearly, it is also essential that visitors play their part in preventing the spread of infection."

The Royal College of Nursing, which claims 38,000 members across the country, warned some wards may not have the basic equipment like basins and gel dispensers needed to help staff comply with the rules.

Scottish director Theresa Fyffe said discipline should be a last resort.

She added: "Health boards should put in place appropriately sited and managed hand-hygiene facilities and ensure healthcare staff working in demanding environments have appropriate opportunities to wash their hands."

As reported in yesterday's Evening Times, cleanliness standards for individual hospitals will be posted on the internet so patients and visitors can see for themselves how well staff follow guidelines.

The dedicated hygiene website will also carry information on infection rates for the MRSA and C.Diff superbugs.