1,000 infected in Scots hospitals

More than 1,000 patients have contracted coronavirus inside Scotland’s hospitals in just over three months, figures show.

Data published by Public Health Scotland shows there were 1,036 cases over the period described as being “definite hospital onset” – where a patient tested positive for Covid-19 15 days or more after being admitted to hospital.

From the week ending March 1 to the week ending June 7, a further 265 cases were classed as being “probably hospital onset” – with a positive test for virus coming eight to 14 days after someone was admitted.

For the week ending June 7, which is the most recent period there are figures for, four cases occurred where coronavirus was definitely contracted within hospital – with an additional three probable infections. Last month, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said unvalidated figures suggested there were 901 “potential” cases where patients had contracted the virus in hospital, including 218 who have died.

Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: “Any suspected case of hospitalacquired Covid-19 is a cause for concern.

“Experts were warning of the risks of healthcare transmission at the start of the crisis yet action on PPE (personal protective equipment) and testing was too slow.

“Hundreds of patients, families and staff are awaiting answers on suspected hospital outbreaks and Scottish Labour continues to push for speed and transparency.”