Following an inspection conducted by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh has been highlighted as a medical facility which displays 'poor compliance' in the area of hand hygiene.
While praising the hospital on the whole, the report flags certain issues which need attention, with Jacqui Macrae, from Healthcare Improvement Scotland, asserting: "In this inspection we found that the wards and departments were generally clean. However, we have also identified a number of areas that need to be addressed."
According to officials, while hospital staff in ward four were frequently seen availing of an alcohol-based hand rub, their administration technique was considered less than adequate, with the report stating: "We also saw staff not removing their aprons and gloves or not cleaning their hands on removal."
Further to this, inspectors noted that improvements were needed with regards the use of hospital equipment, with inspectors noting that staff used machines "without appropriate decontamination of the equipment taking place between patients."
It has been established that the inspection resulted in five requirements and two recommendations which are expected to be addressed by NHS Lothian as a matter of urgency - direction which has been wholly welcomed by Dr David Farquharson of NHS Lothian.
Commenting on the report's findings, he remarked: "We are pleased that some areas were singled out for praise, including the cleanliness of the hospital and that overall staff are working hard to comply with standard infection control precautions,"
Acknowledging the recommendations and requirements contained with the HEI report, he continued: "We recognise there are things that can be improved and they will be addressed as a matter of urgency."
"These include reinforcing general infection control measures with staff, better documentation surrounding vascular catheters and improve the checking and cleaning of all equipment including mattresses," he concluded.
Looking to the future of the hospital, Jacqui Macrae asserted: "We will continue to inspect the Royal Hospital for Sick Children to ensure improvements are made."
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