ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

Hospital Hygiene Services
St. Vincent’s University Hospital continued its commitment to providing a clean and safe environment for
patients, visitors, staff and members of the general public in 2007.
St. Vincent’s University Hospital participated in the Annual National Hygiene Audit facilitated by the Irish
Health Services Accreditation Board in 2007. A team of four assessors spent two and a half days in the
Hospital and arrived unannounced on the 28th March 2007. The Assessment Team included two Directors
of Nursing, an Environmental Health Officer and an Independent Food Hygiene Consultant.
The Assessment team focused on issues such as hand hygiene, laundry management, contract cleaning,
waste and facilities management. Members of staff and several patients were interviewed during the facility
tours. A documentation review, including policies, training records, catering and waste management records
was also undertaken. The Assessors also met with members of the Hospital Hygiene Quality Improvement
Group and members of the Senior Management Team.
No high-risk issues were identified during the survey and the general feedback to the hospital was good.
They complimented staff on their friendliness and openness during the facility tours. St. Vincent’s University
Hospital received an overall rating of ‘Good’. 60.71 % of scores were A ratings (Exceptional Compliance)and
39.29 % were B Ratings (Extensive Compliance).
The report identified a number of priority improvement plans regarding minor capital upgrade of clinical areas,
improved storage facilities, greater input from patients/clients in hygiene issues and the identification and
monitoring of Key Performance Indicators.
An independent external hygiene audit was also carried out in March 2007. It covered clinical and nonclinical
areas, kitchens, receptions, public areas and toilets. Departmental action plans were drafted as a
result of the audit findings.
Work began in the fourth quarter of the year to develop a Hygiene Audit Tool. The tool encompasses the
seven core criteria within the service delivery section of the Hygiene Services Standards. The tool will be
rolled out across the hospital early in 2008.
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