Healthcare-associated infections

Request data on infections acquired in hospital, by type and site.

Healthcare-associated infections are a serious patient safety issue. An FOI request can reveal how well a hospital is controlling the spread of infections, and where problems are concentrated.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of healthcare-associated infections recorded, broken down by infection type (e.g. MRSA, C. difficile, E. coli, surgical site infections). 2. A breakdown by hospital site. 3. The number of infection-related ward closures or bed closures during the period. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
Back to top ↑

Who to send it to#

Your local NHS board. Find the right board on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

Back to top ↑

Tips#

  • Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAI Scotland) publishes quarterly data on some infections. Check their reports before submitting your request.
  • If the board says it cannot provide a breakdown by site, ask for board-wide totals as a starting point.
  • You can follow up with a request for the actions taken in response to outbreaks or clusters.