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05/02/2013
Cleanliness In Scottish Hospitals 'Improving'
Standards of cleanliness in Scottish hospitals are improving, according to the country’s top hospital inspector.
A report by the Chief Inspector of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) found that the number of requirements and recommendations following inspections has reduced significantly.
From October 2011 to September 2012, the HEI made 110 requirements and 81 recommendations, compared to 172 requirements and 180 recommendations in the first report in 2009-2010.
The report comes as Health Secretary Alex Neil officially opened the Royal Victoria Building in Edinburgh.
Mr Neil said: "It is vital that the public have absolute confidence in the care they will receive if they need hospital treatment and this report shows exactly why we set up this inspection regime.
"I am determined to achieve improved performance right across the NHS in Scotland on healthcare associated infections, and to ensure that patients and the public can have complete confidence in the cleanliness of hospitals and the quality and safety of services.
"I am encouraged to see notable improvements in hospitals, but we are not complacent and I recognise there are still a number of areas where further improvement is needed.
"All NHS Boards have been left in no doubt that they must act now to tackle any issues raised in these inspection reports as a matter of urgency.
"This report reassures me that the inspections are helping to improve the hospital care environment for people across Scotland."
The report has highlighted improvements in cleaning in hospitals, fewer maintenance and repair issues, better awareness and access to training in infection control for all staff.
But it also highlighted some areas which could be improved upon.
The report found more attention could be paid to cleaning hard-to-reach areas and patient equipment, and highlighted issues with communication between infection control staff and ward staff.
(IT)
A report by the Chief Inspector of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) found that the number of requirements and recommendations following inspections has reduced significantly.
From October 2011 to September 2012, the HEI made 110 requirements and 81 recommendations, compared to 172 requirements and 180 recommendations in the first report in 2009-2010.
The report comes as Health Secretary Alex Neil officially opened the Royal Victoria Building in Edinburgh.
Mr Neil said: "It is vital that the public have absolute confidence in the care they will receive if they need hospital treatment and this report shows exactly why we set up this inspection regime.
"I am determined to achieve improved performance right across the NHS in Scotland on healthcare associated infections, and to ensure that patients and the public can have complete confidence in the cleanliness of hospitals and the quality and safety of services.
"I am encouraged to see notable improvements in hospitals, but we are not complacent and I recognise there are still a number of areas where further improvement is needed.
"All NHS Boards have been left in no doubt that they must act now to tackle any issues raised in these inspection reports as a matter of urgency.
"This report reassures me that the inspections are helping to improve the hospital care environment for people across Scotland."
The report has highlighted improvements in cleaning in hospitals, fewer maintenance and repair issues, better awareness and access to training in infection control for all staff.
But it also highlighted some areas which could be improved upon.
The report found more attention could be paid to cleaning hard-to-reach areas and patient equipment, and highlighted issues with communication between infection control staff and ward staff.
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
