The inspections are part of the £9million package of measures to tackle healthcare associated infections which Michael McGimpsey announced in January. Other measures announced by the Minister at that time include restrictions on hospital visiting, single rooms, a dress code for health care staff and MRSA screening for high risk patients.
The Minister said: “The publication of these reports today emphasises the importance that I place on driving through improved standards.
“The inspections will challenge hygiene practice in our hospitals at ward level on a regular basis and inform the actions that Trusts now need to take to address the identified shortcomings”
While many of the findings in the reports are encouraging, the Minister said it also showed that more was needed to be done to ensure that high standards are sustained in the fight against hospital associated infections.
He said: “I am confident that we can continue to improve hygiene standards and raise public confidence in the quality of care provided by our hospitals.
“Trusts have already addressed much of the RQIA recommendations and the rolling programme of RQIA inspections will ensure that progress is sustained.
“Staff are working hard to stop the spread of hospital infections and no one should be concerned about using our hospitals. We all have a part to play by ensuring that when we visit a hospital we strictly observe the hygiene standards and we strictly respect visiting policies.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) is a non-departmental public body, established with powers granted under the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. It is sponsored by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), with overall responsibility for assessing and reporting on the availability and quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland and encouraging improvements in the quality of those services.
- The RQIA programme of unannounced hygiene inspections follows the Ministers announcement on 23 January 2008 of a package of new initiatives aimed at tackling Healthcare Associated Infections(HCAIs).
- Hygiene covers all of the interrelated issues associated with HCAI prevention and control, including cleaning, environmental condition, waste disposal, patient equipment, linen handling, decontamination of medical devices together with clinical practice issues such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, dress code i.e. a whole systems approach to HCAI prevention and control.
- The inspections took place in Altnagelvin and Waterside Hospitals, Causeway Hospital, Belfast City Hospital, Craigavon Area Hospital and the Downe Hospital.
- The RQIA inspection reports are available at
http://www.rqia.org.uk - Media queries to DHPSSPS Press Office on 02890 520579. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
