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


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.

 

 



February 13, 2014


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.