ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group Limited - Annual Review 2007
General Services
The main causes of fire alarm activations are categorised as follows:
Cause of Activation 2007 2006
Dust 12.2% 13.6%
Accidental Human Activation – BGU/Panel 17.1% 22.7%
Aerosol 4.9% 9.1%
Steam 26.8% 6.8%
Unknown 4.9% 6.8%
System Fault 12.2% 11.4%
Actual Activation* 21.9% 29.6%
*Fire / Toaster / Microwave / Hot Work / etc.
Cleaning, Hygiene and Household Services
The hospital acknowledges its requirement to maintain the highest standards of cleaning and hygiene in the
support of patient care. All cleaning and hygiene activities are guided by best infection control practices and
national guidelines. The majority of cleaning activities are provided under a contracted service and the
hospital endeavours to ensure the services provided continue to meet our ever-changing needs.
Following the introduction of new recommended cleaning standards by the NHO the department undertook
a total review and update of the hospitals cleaning specifications with the launch of the first phase to clinical
areas completed in October.
The household function also co-ordinates the management of rest, welfare and the accommodation facilities
for the staff and patient relatives and is responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring contracted household
services. In 2007 the department initiated many minor refurbishment projects including the relatives room
and was a key stakeholder in planning the refurbishment of the hospital’s linen rooms.
Household Services continued to work in conjunction with Noonan Services Group, the hospital’s cleaning
service providers. The department monitors cleaning outcomes and participated in quality improvement
initiatives.
The staff compliment in 2007 was 4. Finally, congratulations to Ms Kathleen Gill the department’s supervisor
who celebrated her 30 years of service to the hospital and also successfully completed the FETAC Level 6
in Management programme. Theresa Burke completed Fetac Level 5 in Household Services and also
celebrated along with her colleague Jane Purcell 20 years of service in the hospital.
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