NI hospital hygiene scrutinised

The survey by KPMG found that facilities at the Altnagelvin and South and East Belfast Trusts fell into the fourth band of cleanliness standards.

Facilities in this band are likely to have significant problems with their cleaning services, the report said.

Ward sisters are to be given a key role in ensuring that wards are clean.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Paul Goggins at the launch of the Ward Sister's Charter.

Elaine Way, chief executive of Altnagelvin Hospital, promised improvements would be made.

"There are issues around where we need the public to work with us as well," she said.

A spokesperson for South and East Belfast Trust said that it was surprised and disappointed with the report's findings.

"The trust has carried out a number of additional environmental audits since the KPMG report was completed," the spokesperson said.

"These show significantly higher levels than those recorded initially and we will be formally requesting that our facilities are re-audited as soon as possible."

Highest standards

The KPMG report found that only the Newry and Mourne Trust had sufficient standards of cleanliness, at 92%, to satisfy the criteria for the top band.

This stipulates that the trust "reflects high standards of cleanliness across almost all elements with only a few instances here where cleanliness is below standard".

Speaking at the launch of the charter, Mr Goggins said the new ward sisters would be responsible for creating "a cleanliness culture within Northern Ireland's hospitals".

"I also strongly encourage patients and the public to play their role in keeping hospitals clean," he said.

The new charter will be issued to every ward sister, charge nurse and ward manager in Northern Ireland.

Report findings

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Band 4

Key

Band 1 Reflects high standards of cleanliness across almost all elements with only a few instances here where cleanliness is below standard.

Band 2 Facilities are not seriously dirty but there is room for improvement.

Band 3 Facilities are not seriously dirty but there may be more than one off failures in cleanliness indicating possible problems in managing cleaning services or with underlying problems with maintaining and refurbishing facilities.

Band 4 Facilities in this band are likely to have significant problems with their cleaning services and refurbishing issues may compound this.

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