HIQA critical of hygiene practices at Limerick hospital

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has criticised the lack of basic measures at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital to prevent the spread of infection.

The criticisms are contained in a report published this Monday following an unannounced inspection on September 19, last.

The detailed 16-page report points to some shortcomings in relation hand hygiene practices, inadequate storage and the use of cleaning equipment.

Concerns have also been expressed in relation to the inappropriate storage of syringes.

“During the inspection of an operating theatre, the inspector observed multiple syringes of reconstituted intravenous anaesthetic medications, which were unattended, insufficiently labeled and stored on top of the anaesthetic trolley,” states the report.

The report also raises concern about the use of fans in a clinical area that specialises in orthopaedic surgery and it describes the infrastructure, facilities and patient flow in the Theatre department as “not optimal from an infection prevention and control perspective”.

In the report, HIQA acknowledges that Croom Hospital has taken on board recommendations made following an inspection in 2014 but recommends that a further review is undertaken.

“Croom Hospital should continue to build on progress to Report of the unannounced inspection at Croom Hospital Health Information and Quality Authority 13 date to provide assurance that device related infections are effectively reduced or prevented,” states the report.

For further coverage see this week's Limerick Leader, broadsheet editions - out Thursday