Inspectors’ verdict on Western Isles hospital

Staff at the Western Isles Hospital are making good progress in their efforts to reduce the risk of infection, according to inspectors.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate report, published today, noted that NHS Western Isles is complying with the majority of measures designed to protect patients.

The inspectors found that the overall standard of cleanliness was good, there was a comprehensive system in place to handle confirmed or suspected cases of infection and staff are being trained in infection control.

However the report indentifies several areas in need of improvement:

The infection control manual needs to be kept up to date

Cleaning schedules must be rigidly adhered to and recorded

Faults and repairs should be dealt with swiftly

Ward furniture showing signs of wear and tear should be replaced

“Recommendations and requirements”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

“I have made tackling hospital infections my top priority and I am pleased to learn that the Western Isles Hospital has introduced measures to combat the spread of infection among patients, staff and visitors.

“However the inspectors did highlight a number of issues that need to be addressed. I have asked NHS Western Isles to implement the necessary improvements that will help reinforce public confidence.”

NHS Western Isles Chair John Angus MacKay commented: “We welcome the positive aspects of this report. Quality of care for patients is a top priority for the Board. The areas for improvement highlighted will be acted on immediately by Board Executives and will be monitored by the Clinical Governance Committee.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson said: “NHS Western Isles welcomes any external scrutiny that assists us in continually raising the standard of care and services we provide and the environment in which both patients receive and staff provide care.

“The recommendations and requirements will now be the focus of very clear action to raise our standards even further.”

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