Hygiene levels below standard in two of Northern Ireland's hospitals

A report carried out by consultants KPMG has found that standards of cleanliness in two of Northern Ireland's 18 hospital trusts are unsatisfactory.

Facilities at Altnagelvin and South and East Belfast Trusts fell into the fourth band of cleanliness standards which is below 70 percent. According to the report facilities in this band are likely to have significant problems with their cleaning services.

The results were released at the launch of the new Ward Sister's Charter, a scheme which is part of Health Minister Paul Goggins drive to make hospitals cleaner.

The initiative comes on the back of the first ever independent report into how clean our hospitals, clinics and care homes are.

Goggins commented: "I know people are concerned about the cleanliness of hospital wards and I am determined to make improvements.

"The report makes it clear that more needs to be done to ensure high standards of cleanliness and I will be keeping a close eye on progress. I have asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to assess cleaning standards annually."

Speaking at the launch, Northern Ireland's Chief Nursing Officer commented: "I expect to see the commitments displayed prominentlly in every ward as a guide to action for all those who work there, as well as visitors and patients."

Elaine Way, Chief Executive of Altnagelvin Hospital assured improvements would be made: "My commitment to ensuring that the score will be improved when we are re-audited is complete."

The KPMG report found that only the Newry and Mourne Trust had sufficient standards of cleanliness at 92 percent to satisfy the criteria for the top band. This band stipulates that there are high standards of cleanliness across all elements with only a few instances where cleanliness is below standard.

(DS)