Audit finds poor hygiene at 48% of hospitals
03 November 2005 16
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The first ever audit of hygiene in Ireland's national acute hospitals has found that almost half of them have poor hygiene.
The dirtiest hospitals were found to be St Columcille's and Beaumont which are both in Dublin, and Waterford Regional Hospital.
The cleanest hospital was found to be Mallow General in Cork. St James's Hospital and Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, both in Dublin, were also among the best performing.
Growing concern about hygiene standards in hospitals and rising levels of hospital-acquired infection prompted the Health Service Executive to commission an audit of hygiene standards earlier this year.
Independent consultants examined cleanliness standards in 54 acute hospitals throughout the country, during unannounced spot checks in July and August this year.
They found that 48% of hospitals had bad hygiene, while 43% had fair cleanliness and 9% were at a good level.
The auditors said the poor results could be attributed to the absence of national policies and procedures on clinical hygiene.
They also said the lack of space in many wards and departments, and the poor quality of hospital buildings and equipment were also contributory factors.
(rte.ie)