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News items on 'Hygiene'
Hospital slated over cobwebs, dusty floors and dirty toilets
(The Scotsman 10/11/2009)
A SCOTTISH hospital has been told to make improvements in its infection control after inspectors found dusty floors, dirty toilets and other areas of concern. The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI), set up to tackle bugs such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, yesterday published its first report since being launched earlier this year by the Scottish Government. Its visit to Stirling Royal Infirmary led to it making eight requirements and five recommendations for improvements.
NHS urged to invest in cleaning
(BBC 03/11/2009)
The NHS is being urged to invest more in cleaners after research showed just one extra worker can make a difference. The Unison-sponsored study showed having one more cleaner on a ward could reduce bugs by a third, potentially saving lives and money. But despite the evidence, the union said it was concerned about the future of hospital cleaning services. The government said cleaning was already a priority - as its record in reducing superbug rates showed.
Fears top Lothian medics are spreading superbugs
(The Scotsman 25/09/2009)
DOCTORS and consultants in the Lothians have been threatened with disciplinary action after it emerged more than one in ten do not wash their hands properly between patients. Spot checks found that while nurses and other health staff were doing well to keep to the rules on hand washing, around 11 per cent of senior medical staff - or roughly 250 - were not. The findings led Lothian health board members to order a crackdown and warn that staff will be reprimanded.
Study: Bacteria in showerheads could harm ill bathers - Newsday
(World health - EU Monitor 15/09/2009)
Showerheads are breeding grounds for bacteria that clump together and turn into a spray that soaks and may infect unsuspecting bathers, a study found. Researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder tested water before and after it passed through showerheads in nine US cities, including New York, and found that levels of bacteria increased 100-fold on the way out. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Chick found during maggot inquiry
(BBC 06/07/2009)
Specialists probing an outbreak of maggots at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital believe the carcass of a chick could be to blame. The discovery of the maggots caused the closure of three operating theatres, and postponements of procedures. NHS Grampian said about 25 maggots were found by cleaners on the floor. What is believed to be the carcass of a chick was found in pipes above two theatres and has since been removed. No further infestation has been found.
Hygiene concerns see ward closed
(BBC 25/06/2009)
The Royal Victoria Hospital has closed a ward in its neurosurgical area after an inspection by an independent health body, the BBC has learned. The inspection by the Regulation Quality Improvement Authority found that Ward F fell short of the required standard of cleanliness. The RQIA wrote to the Belfast Health Trust seeking immediate action. In response, the trust closed the ward for refurbishment and provided an action plan to improve hygiene on it. The inspection was made on 29 May.
Infection drive 'hit by targets'
(BBC 09/06/2009)
Doctors say efforts to tackle healthcare associated infections are being undermined by government policy. A British Medical Association report says infection control practices have been damaged by overcrowding and understaffing in NHS facilities. It also says there has been an over-reliance in England on short-term solutions such as deep cleaning, dress code policies and alcohol hand gels. Government officials said its policies had successfully cut infection rates.
Blood tests for worried patients
(BBC 01/06/2009)
Thousands of patients in Dorset and the Bristol area are being offered blood tests after a dentist was suspended following concerns about hygiene. Those affected have been sent letters offering the tests, but saying that the risk of infection is "very low". Concerns about sterilisation of equipment were raised by a staff member at a dental practice. The unnamed dentist was suspended pending an investigation by the General Dental Council.
Hospital staff too busy to wash hands says NHS chief
(The Scotsman 28/05/2009)
A SENIOR Lothian health official has suggested some hospital staff are simply too busy to wash their hands. NHS Lothian Health Board vice-chairman Eddie Egan was speaking as it emerged that in certain departments, almost a quarter of staff are failing to wash their hands regularly. The simple hygiene measure is seen as a key tool in the fight against superbugs.
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