Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, said that the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) had now advised him of the composition of the review team. He said he was confident the wealth of experience and knowledge of team members would ensure the investigation was independent, thorough and comprehensive.
The Minister also announced further measures aimed at tackling the spread of healthcare associated infections and improving public confidence in the health service. These include:
- The introduction of a dress code for healthcare staff; and
- A consultation on a hospital visiting policy for all trusts.
He said: “I have been advised of the make-up of the RQIA’s independent review team into the C difficile outbreak in the Northern Trust. I am confident this team has considerable knowledge and the necessary expertise in infections such as C difficile, to thoroughly investigate the current outbreak and report back any learning quickly.
“Until the current outbreak in the Northern Trust is fully contained, the review team will focus on urgently examining infection control measures being taken across the other health trusts. It is vital that every effort is being made to reduce the spread of these infections and to try and prevent any further outbreaks occurring.”
The Minister said he would continue to take every possible step to reduce and prevent infections in healthcare facilities.
He said: “Today I am announcing a consultation on hospital visiting policies. Key principles include firm restrictions on visiting hours, limits on the numbers of visitors per patient and requiring staff to ensure visitors comply with infection control policies. Obviously I will expect a relaxation of restrictions in the case of a seriously ill patient, a sick child or an elderly person.
“I have also launched a regional dress code policy for healthcare staff and recommendations for staff changing facilities. Staff wearing uniforms outside of hospitals has been an area of concern for the public, particularly the perception that this practice increases the risk of infection. It is important that staff promote public confidence and promote a professional image of the service.”
The main recommendations include requiring staff to change out of uniforms before leaving work, or, if changing facilities are not available, to ensure uniforms are covered in public. In addition, an adequate supply of uniforms must be supplied help staff meet the recommended laundry requirements; jewellery must not be worn; wearing short sleeves is recommended and stained uniforms must be changed as quickly as possible.
Health trusts are also being asked to carry out a review of existing facilities which do not have adequate changing facilities. New buildings which include staff changing facilities will be required to fully implement the recommendations of this policy.
The Minister said: “In order to tackle the challenge of reducing and preventing healthcare infections such as C diff, it will require the full co-operation of staff, patients and the general public. I have also reminded all Trusts of their responsibility to ensure their facilities are clean and that staff comply with proper hand hygiene measures. The public too must comply with visiting restrictions and follow good hygiene practices while in hospitals.
“We can never fully eradicate infections such as C diff and MRSA from our hospitals but by acting responsibly we can all make a real difference. It is important that the public has confidence in the health service. I am confident that the patients, the public and staff will start to notice a real difference when they visit our hospitals.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The membership of independent review team includes:
Dr Catherine Quigley, MB, MSc, FFPH
Dr Catherine Quigley is a Consultant Regional Epidemiologist at the Regional Office of (HPA), North West England and has been the regional HPA lead for healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) since 2005. This has involved co-ordinating surveillance of HCAIs in the North West England, producing outputs and giving advice with regard to management of HCAI incidents.
Dr Kieran Hand, PhD Pharmacology, MSc Infection Management
Dr Kieran Hand was appointed to the first consultant microbiology/ID pharmacist post in the UK, at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust in January 2007. Dr Hand is chair of the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association’s infection management group and is an editor at the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Kieran also sits on the Health Protection Agency programme board for healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Bharat Patel, MBBS, MSC, FRC Path
Dr Bharat Patel is a Consultant Medical Microbiologist for the regional microbiology network of the Health Protection Agency. He is the RMN lead for HCAIs for London and has organised meetings and training workshops on the control of Clostridium difficile infections. He has advised several trusts in the implementation of control measures in outbreaks of Clostridium difficile.
Alyson Smith, RGN, MPH
Alyson Smith is a Consultant in Health Protection for the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit. Alyson is the Consultant Lead for HCAIs and Antimicrobial Resistance for the Thames Valley and works collaboratively at a regional and national level, and with the Strategic Health Authority and NHS Trusts.
2. A link to the Dress Code policy is available at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website
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3. A link to the consultation on Guiding Principles for the production of Hospital Visiting policies is available at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DHSSPS Press Office, telephone 028 9052 0571. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
