Scottish hospitals called out about dirty equipment

Inspectors cite beds, mattresses and commodes - as well as management of needles, waste and linen and continuing concerns around hand-cleaning

By Healthcare Facilities Today
February 13, 2014

Dirty beds remain among the biggest dangers of infection to patients, according to the latest report from the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI), according to an article on the Herald Scotland website.

The HEI was established in April 2009 to undertake at least one announced and one unannounced inspection to all acute hospitals across NHSScotland every three years.

The report said that, while there had been a general improvement in cleanliness they found basic failings in relation to patient equipment.

This relates to beds, mattresses and commodes - as well as management of needles, waste and linen and continuing concerns around hand-cleaning by NHS staff, the article said.

The latest report said wards were cleaner and staff knew about their role in infection control

Susan Brimelow, chief inspector of HEI, said: "Overall, the public should be assured by our findings which show that NHS Scotland continues to make good progress in raising standards of hospital cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.

improvements were welcome but that there was no need for some of the adverse findings, such as poor cleanliness of bedframes and mattresses, Brimelow said in the article.

Read the article.