ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group Limited - Annual Review 2007
Health and Safety Review
St Vincent’s University Hospital recognises its obligations and duties as an employer, to direct, manage and
ensure, as far as is reasonable practicable the safety, health and welfare of all employees, contractors and
members of the public who may attend our premises as required under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
Act 2005. The goal of the hospital is not only to meet our legislative obligations but also to exceed them
through the pursuit of best practices in all areas.
Health & Safety is co-ordinated by Regina Rooney and is facilitated through a number of structures. The Health
and Safety committee co-ordinates and monitors our safety management programme and acts as a platform to
address matters pertaining to health, safety and welfare of all staff. It is representative of all major stakeholders.
The Staff Safety Representative co-ordinates the process at local level and is further supported by a Safety
Risk and Quality Improvement Group which reviews and address issues on a weekly basis.
Training
There is an ongoing and comprehensive mandatory training programme for Health and Safety. This was
supplemented with department or role specific training for example Medical Gases, CPI training and Train
the Trainer workshops during 2007.
Two Dangerous Goods Safety audits were carried out this year and the department has implemented
relevant staff training to address the audit recommendations.
European Health and Safety Week
In October the hospital participated in the European Health and Safety Week. The theme of this year’s event
was" Lighten the Load", primarily targeting musculoskeletal disorders. The Annual Health and Safety
Breakfast event was organized by Health and Safety and Ergonomics and Back Care with assistance of Risk
Management, Preventive Medicine, Infection Control, Occupational Health, Security and Fire Safety. External
partners represented were the Gardai, Dublin Fire Brigade, Oxigen and BOC Gases. This event is an
excellent way for all staff to update themselves on topical issues in a relaxed and informal manner. It also
helps to maintain the profile of Health & Safety within the hospital.
During the event the hospitals Patient Handling Risk Assessment form “Easymove” was launched. The
‘Easymove’ form aims to assist in providing the best care to patients in relation to manual handling and to
minimize the risk to staff. Overall the event was a great success and thanks to all who participated. In
particular, thanks to all who contributed to the stands and who assisted in making the day happen.
The past year has seen a further roll out of safety statements and handouts including notification regarding
the new General Applications regulations.
The department is also progressing with General and Chemical Risk assessments in various departments.
This programme includes training sessions for staff on how to complete assessments for their indiduvual
areas. Other areas in which Health & Safety has been involved during 2007 are:
• Accreditation • Working at Heights • Patient Restraint Policy
• Internal Disaster Plan • Decontamination Audit • Health and Safety Module leader
- FETAC HCA support Certificate
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