The record number of hospital-onset Covid infections shows that Scotland’s medical staff are still not receiving the support and resources they need to battle Covid on NHS wards, says Scottish Labour.

Public Health Scotland figures this week revealed that the number of patients who became infected with Covid-19 while receiving treatment for non-Covid reasons reached their highest level in the pandemic so far.

The data showed that in the week ending January 10, 219 hospital patients were found to have definitely caught Covid-19 while on a ward for non-Covid treatment with a further 113 thought to have “probable hospital onset” of the virus. In total 332 people were either definitely or probably infected on wards.

Scottish Labour has said that the Scottish Government is not doing enough to protect staff and patients.

Commenting, Scottish Labour interim leader Jackie Baillie said: “It is shocking that hospital Covid infections continue to be a problem so far into the pandemic, and while overall infection rates are going down it is clear that risks remain on our wards.

“For months Scottish Labour has raised the alarm on this very problem, calling for wider asymptomatic testing, better PPE and more assistance with infection control measures – but NHS workers cannot fight Covid on all fronts with limited staffing and support.

“Instead of patting themselves on the back for the vaccine rollout, the SNP Government must commit to better resource our hospitals with a full rollout of testing and PPE.

“If non-Covid healthcare cannot be safely delivered due to the virus taking hold in hospitals, lives will continue to be at risk.”