A live insect in a packaged dessert, a human nail in a takeaway and a cigarette butt in a bag of chips.

A timber smoking shed with a plastic bin into which ashtrays were emptied and a failure to deep clean following a vomiting outbreak were among the significant shortcomings identified in a series of inspections by the health watchdog.

One in five hospitals inspected last year had to undergo a follow-up inspection due to poor hygiene and maintenance issues.

Gastroenteritis and pilonidal sinus explained by Dr. Bernadette Carr.

HIQA has published two more damning report into disability services at St Patrick's Centre in Kilkenny.

Overcrowded isolation units in a cancer ward and unsafe injection practices are two of the most serious findings from a watchdog’s inspection of hospitals.

Seven public acute hospitals have received letters from HIQA, warning of poor hygiene practices.