Scots hospital is ordered to improve hygiene

MARTIN WILLIAMS

Published on 27 Apr 2010

One of Scotland’s premier hospitals has been ordered to improve after inspectors criticised its cleanliness and state of repair.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate’s report on the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow says that it is an “ageing premises in need of repair in many areas” and “the overall standard of cleanliness … could be improved”.

Some staff were found to be wearing operating theatre clothes in public areas – breaking a dress code policy in place to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

Inspectors found walls cracked through impact damage and several areas where window frames, ledges and skirting boards were cracked and broken.

Mould was found around several showers and inspectors, air vents were observed to be dusty and dirty and some ceiling tiles were stained.

The inspectors said wards at high and low level were dusty and “should be cleaned more effectively” but acknowledged that cleaning is hampered in some clinical areas by the “poor physical condition of the environment”.

They also said that “swan neck” design mixer taps in sinks which did not comply with National Health Service guidance were still being used, although NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had begun replacing them.

Continued use of such mixer taps is seen as an infection control risk to patients and staff as they do not fully empty after use and are prone to a build-up of bacteria.

It is not the first time the Southern General has come under the microscope over its state of repair.

Three years ago managers took action to repair rundown operating theatres.

Cracked floors and mouldy windows were replaced forcing temporary closures of the theatres, and the cancellation of some operations.

It came after one leading doctor said that the state of Southern General was putting patients at risk.

The inspectorate in its latest report said more consistency was needed in cleaning procedures along with better communication over repairs.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has published an “improvement plan” to address the issues raised in the report. The health board has also assured the Health Secretary “that all of the areas for

improvement that were identified are being dealt with swiftly”.

According to the latest report, the inspection team was told that a weighting system was being developed with staff in estates and facilities so that issues raised through “environmental audits” will receive a higher priority.

“Although the inspection team acknowledges that ongoing maintenance of a large and ageing hospital site can be challenging, it is important that surfaces can be cleaned effectively,” said the report.

Earlier this year, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced that a new £840 million South Glasgow Hospitals Complex would be built in Govan which would replace the Southern General and bring together maternity, children’s and adult services.

Commenting on the report, Ms Sturgeon said: “Our top priority is to continue to do all we can to protect patients from the risk of health acquired infections.

“Within the next few years, Glasgow will have a fantastic flagship facility at the new South Glasgow Hospital campus.

“However, until it comes on stream there is the urgent need to maintain a safe patient environment within the existing facilities.”