NURSE TOLD PATIENT TO WASH WITH TOXIC WIPES
New super-hospital ‘sorry’ for blunder
ABED-BOUND patient at Glasgow’s super-hospital was told to wash with toxic detergent wipes normally used for cleaning dirty equipment.
Hospital bosses have apologised after the wipes – which are not suitable for use on skin – were handed out when the patient was admitted with broken bones.
A PATIENT was given detergent wipes instead of a wash at Glasgow’s £842million super-hospital.
Staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital are said to have given out Clinitex multi-surface wipes, which are designed to “remove dirt and grime for different areas and equipment,” and contain chemicals which are toxic to the skin.
Hospital bosses have apologised and said nursing staff would be briefed to ensure it does not happen again.
A relative of the patient, who was being treated for a broken knee and foot, questioned their use, posting on Facebook: “Medicine people - are these normal to be given in a hospital to clean your face/body when you are bed bound.
“They don’t seem like they are designed for skin.”
A spokeswoman for the manufacturer said the wipes were “definitely” not for use on human skin.
The patient, was admitted to the emergency department at the QEUH before being transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A warning on the packet urges users to seek medical advice if they come into contact with the eyes. A spokeswoman for Clinitext said: “I can confirm these wipes are not suitable for patients to use on their skin.”
Scottish Conservative Glasgow MSP Annie Wells said: “Everyone knows the NHS is under strain and staff have to do their best under trying circumstances.
“But this is blatantly unacceptable.
“This practice needs to be stopped at once to ensure vulnerable people are cared for with decency and dignity.”
Anne Harkness, director of the South Sector for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:“This should never have happened and I apologise to this patient if she was provided with the wrong wipes.
“I will be reiterating to our staff the importance of checking what is being provided to patients so this does not happen again.”