Top three hospitals promise to work to maintain standards
Mallow General in Co Cork was the country’s cleanest followed by St James’s Hospital and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, both in Dublin.
However, hospital spokespersons said lapses identified in the specific audits would be tackled and recommendations implemented.
The director of nursing at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children said the challenge for the Crumlin-based staff in maintaining high standards was made more difficult by the age of the 1950s-built facility.
“We welcome the Tánaiste’s initiative,” said Geraldine Regan. “Many people, over the years, talked about the problem but Minister Harney was the first to have the courage to do something about it.
“The fact that Our Lady’s Hospital treats children, some who are very young, leaves no margin for error where risk of infection is concerned.”
Reflecting on a high hygiene performance in all departments, Ms Regan said: “We need to ensure the premises are not just clean but safe. The fact that the buildings are so old poses particular challenges but all of the cleaning, nursing, medical and other staff played a role in ensuring we met the highest standards.
“Hopefully, we will be moving to new premises in the not-too-distant future.”
Meanwhile, a spokesman for St James’s Hospital said the 100% rating in several departments was welcome.
“The hospital, however, maintains a cautious approach to the audit of hygiene,” he said.
“Obviously, the hospital is pleased with the results but it also recognises there is room for improvement in some areas. Ways of implementing changes in those areas is already being given consideration.”
Mary Owens, director of nursing at Mallow General said she was delighted with the audit results: “It was an indication of the high standard of care and of the excellent staff we have here and it was also an indication of good teamwork.
“Every staff member continues to play a vital role.”
The hospital got 100% for hygiene standards in its out-patients’ department but fared badly in the wards and department kitchens in its surgical and medical units.
Ms Owens said she had already pin-pointed areas for improvement.
“We have taken on board the recommendations of the audit. The challenge now is for us to maintain the standard,” she said.
