Nenagh Hospital, in Co Tipperary
Eilish O'Regan

Three of Ireland's major hospitals reported to have serious infection risks

Inspectors say patients are at serious risk of infection or scalding, while some medical equipment was dirty and staff failed to wash their hands

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Inspectors who visited the Mater, Tallaght and St Vincent's hospitals have found failures by staff to follow basic infection-control rules, according to an article on the Independent website.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report follows a previous unfavorable inspections of other major hospitals.

The report, following inspections in August, again found that doctors were not washing their hands between treating patients, while staff followed key infection-control protection on just nine of the 17 times they were observed, the article said. The inspectors discovered a "black substance" in some shower areas, unclean hand sinks and "unlabelled syringes" containing unknown solutions that posed a risk of injury.

The article quoted the report warning: "Observations suggest that a culture of hand-hygiene practice is not embedded at all levels, especially among staff practices observed by the authority on St Joseph's ward."

Read the article.

 

 

 



October 24, 2013


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Small Details, Real Impact: Design With Caregivers in Mind

Healthcare facility designers do not practice medicine, but their work is still a meaningful way to help those who provide patient care.


Safety Features Senior Living Communities Prioritize

Families want their loved one to be in a safe facility, leading designers to prioritize more safety features.


Cherry Health Reports Data Breach Incident

It presently has no evidence that any such information has been used to commit identity theft or fraud.


Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection

Actionable strategies for healthcare systems and medical groups navigating today’s constrained real estate market.


Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?

More than 700 rural hospitals nationwide face the risk of closure. A new report highlights solutions that could improve long-term sustainability.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.