Infection control issues identified at community hospitals

Hiqa identified issues at facilities in Limerick and Waterford.

The health watchdog said existing issues with infrastructure and maintenance could worsen any potential risks of infection control.  

None of a group of three community hospitals inspected by Hiqa were fully compliant with basic national standards for infection control.

This is despite well-publicised concerns over the past seven months about the safety of patients in small hospitals and other residential care settings.