Inspectors impressed with hospital hygiene

ANTRIM Area Hospital has been commended for its efforts in improving hygiene by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, the independent health and social care regulatory body for Northern Ireland.

An unannounced inspection of the hospital was undertaken by the RQIA infection prevention/hygiene team, assisted by peer reviewers, earlier this year.

The results of the RQIA inspection were released last week and the findings for Antrim Area Hospital highlighted notable high compliance rates in most areas.

In all areas inspected, a high standard of cleanliness was observed. Inspectors were informed that 'deep cleans' are now routinely carried out on a four/six monthly basis.

The area requiring most attention is the accident and emergency department where some redecoration and replacement of items such as chairs and repair of some fixtures was required.

There were only four minimally compliant scores identified during the inspection, these related to waste handling and disposal and the kitchen areas.

Inspection teams identified that improvements were required in staff practices and cleaning issues in these areas.

All areas displayed evidence of hand hygiene and environmental audits. The hospital had displays of posters promoting hand hygiene from the front entrance to ward level.

Staff displayed a good knowledge of cleaning and infection prevention and control and a positive attitude to improving practice was evident throughout.

The Northern Trust has said it is delighted to learn that Antrim Area Hospital scored top of the table in the recent RQIA unannounced hygiene inspections.