Hospital gets infection all-clear

Ashford Hospital was inspected by the Healthcare Commission

A Surrey hospital ordered to improve its infection control by the health watchdog has been given the all-clear following a second inspection.

Ashford Hospital was ordered to close its medical equipment library in June after it was found to have inadequate mattress decontamination facilities.

The Healthcare Commission warned the Hygiene Code breach could increase the risk of infection spreading.

An inspection on 29 September found the hospital was now following the rules.

The commission's inspector found the hospital had now separated the storage areas for clean and dirty mattresses.

It had ensured responsibilities for decontamination were clearly assigned and conducted and acted on a risk assessment.

"The proper decontamination and storing of mattresses and equipment is crucial to safeguarding patients from infection," said head of the inspection programme Christine Braithwaite.

"The trust began to make immediate improvements upon our drawing the issues to their attention."