Praise for cleanliness at St Andrews Community Hospital following inspection

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) published its report this week relating to the visit which took place on April 27 & 28 of this year.

The HEI inspection team examined NHS Fife’s self-assessment information and then visited the hospital to meet patients and staff, and to inspect wards and departments to assess cleanliness and to check that the hospital is meeting national standards.

This was the first inspection of the hospital and the first inspection against the new Healthcare Improvement Scotland Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards (February 2015).

During their time in the facilitiy, which opened in Spetember 2009, inspectors visited the minor injuries unit, outpatients department, renal dialysis unit, ward 1 (GP/rehabilitation) and ward 2 (elderly care/palliative care).

They also carried out 11 patient interviews and received 19 completed patient questionnaires.

In summary, the report praised the hospital for the cleanliness of the departments which were inspected and the fact that patient feedback was actively encouraged.

However, there were points raised for improvement, namely the use of protective gloves.

Commenting, Jacqui Macrae, deputy director of Quality Assurance for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “In this announced inspection we found that the wards and patient equipment were clean, and feedback from patients about standards of cleanliness is actively encouraged.

“We also identified some areas where NHS Fife needs to improve, including that the hospital must comply with national guidance about the use of disposable gloves.

“We expect NHS Fife to address these areas as a matter of priority.

“We will continue to monitor the hospital to ensure that standards of safety and cleanliness continue to improve.”