Watchdog will name and shame to tackle infection rate

HOSPITALS that fail to comply with new infection control standards will be named and shamed by the state’s health services watchdog.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) yesterday published 12 steps hospitals can take to prevent and control infections. When the standards are introduced at the end of the year, the authority will start inspecting hospitals to ensure compliance.

HIQA will publish their findings in full on how hospitals are performing and believes this will ensure high infection control standards are maintained.