Results are mixed after hospital wards inspection

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) paid an unannounced visit to the new hospital in February to assess infection control methods and safety.

The areas examined included elderly wards, day surgery, orthopaedics outpatient clinic, renal dialysis unit and X-ray department.

It was found that staff had a good knowledge of infection control and prevention.

However, in the renal dialysis unit, inspectors found a thick build up of dirt and grime on the grooved wooden wall panels beside patient chairs. They also noted these areas had been checked by staff monitoring cleanliness in recent months.

When the inspectors returned to following day the area had been cleaned. And four recliners, although cleaned after use, were very damaged and contaminated. This included dust and dirt in the spaces where the cushions are removed to be cleaned and on the undercarriage of the chairs.

Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “This was our first inspection and resulted in three requirements and one recommendation. During the inspection we found that the majority of wards and departments were very clean. This also included non-clinical areas such as linen stores, sluices and store rooms.

“We found that staff had a good knowledge of standard infection control precautions. However, we found issues with the standard of cleanliness and state of repair of some of the equipment in the renal dialysis unit and have issued requirements to ensure improvements.”

Margaret McGuire, Nurse Director for the hospital, said: “It’s encouraging that most patients were generally happy with the standard of cleaning. However, we are disappointed that the inspectors found some areas for improvement. We are actively working with our staff to ensure that the requirements from this inspection are fully implemented.”