Scottish Labour has strengthened its calls for enhanced protection and full vaccination for all healthcare staff by the end of February, as Public Health Scotland figures this week show an increase in Covid hospital admissions.

It raises more concerns around hospital-acquired Covid infections which, Scottish Labour says, are still too high. It comes after the Scottish Labour debate In the Scottish Parliament debate this week, Protection for Scotland’s Health and Care Workforce, which highlighted the need for enhanced PPE protections and a faster vaccine rollout.

Scottish Labour interim leader Jackie Baillie said: “Scotland has had one of the highest Covid-19 death rates in the world, and with hospital cases increasing it is more vital than ever that our health service staff have maximum protection, and that enhanced measures are in place. However, hospital-acquired Covid infections are still too high.

“Thousands of people have already delayed seeking health treatment throughout the pandemic, and with more people being admitted to hospital, they must feel confident that the SNP Government is doing everything it can to ensure that all health services can continue in a Covid-19 safe way.”