The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children have been positively recognised for progress in cleanliness and compliance with infection control measures following an unannounced visit from Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
The visit, which took place in November 2019, saw a group of external inspectors audit a number of areas and wards within the hospitals, and follows a previous visit in January 2019 which made a number of recommendations.
The report published today (Thursday 20 February 2020) demonstrates that key recommendations from the January 2019 visit have now been implemented, including the installation of negative pressure rooms, additional training and recruitment for domestic staff, removal of bladeless fans in high-risk areas, improvements to the cleaning schedule management and regular cleaning of ventilation panels.
The inspectors also visited the Institute of Neurosciences and identified some issues linked to the fabric and condition of the building. A plan is in development to invest in improved facilities for the Institute and new methods of working have allowed more time to be spent on cleaning than previously. A recruitment campaign is also being implemented to increase overall staffing levels.
The report further highlights an overall strong awareness and compliance among staff of standard infection control precautions, alongside a positive and consistent approach to infection control communication and management between infection control representatives, senior charge nurses and facilities teams.
As a result, all appropriate staff have an understanding of infection control measures and correct procedures in line with national guidelines which are consistently being followed to ensure the hospital environment meets agreed standards.
Patients surveyed on the wards also responded to inspectors with positive feedback, highlighting the cleanliness of wards and equipment.
Professor Marion Bain, Director of Infection Prevention and Control, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Prevention and control of infection remains a top priority for NHSGGC. The latest inspection demonstrates the QEUH and the Royal Hospital for Children are meeting national requirements in relation to infection control and cleanliness standards. In particular, I would like to thank all staff involved as the progress made is a testament to their hard work.
“I am very pleased to receive this positive report, however, we are absolutely determined to ensure we continue to improve the service for the benefit of patients, and will continue to work with HIS to implement any further recommendations.”
The full report can be viewed here