Hygiene has improved in many hospitals around the country but others are still substandard when it comes to cleanliness, according to the latest hygiene audit by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority). Only one hospital in the country, Cappagh Orthopaedic in Dublin received a “very good” rating for its hygiene standards in the latest audit.
Nine hospitals in the state received a “poor” rating for their hygiene standards. These are Bantry, Lettekenny, Mercy (Cork), Ennis, Mullingar, Our Lady of Lourdes (Drogheda), Roscommon, Loughlinstown and St. Mary’s Orthopaedic in Cork.
The majority of hospitals received only a “fair” rating for their hygiene quality. Certain hospitals are continuing to perform at a sub-standard level and HIQA says the HSE should do more to improve the standards in under performing hospitals as a matter or urgency.
Eight hospitals faired worse in the audit than they did in the previous audit in 2007, while only thirteen improved their scores.
Speaking about the results of the latest audit, Healthcare Solicitor, Liam Moloney said today, “The results of this audit are truly shocking. The incidences of hospital acquired infections such as C-Difficile and MRSA are increasing. The HSE needs to take immediate action to improve the standards of hygiene in these hospitals”.
The audit also included a survey among patients attending the hospitals and a recurring issue was the inadequacy of toilet and bathroom facilities. Many patients felt they were not being cleaned as regularly as they should be.
If you have acquired an infection whilst a patient of a hospital in Ireland you may be entitled to recover compensation. To find our more about your legal rights please contact Liam Moloney, Solicitor in Naas, on 045 898000 to arrange a consultation or simply log onto our website www.moloneysolicitors.ie for further information.
