Cleanliness concerns reported at flagship hospital
INSPECTORS have raised ‘significant concerns’ about cleanliness in Scotland’s newest hospital.
An NHS watchdog found dirty trolleys, wheelchairs and toilets at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
The hospital, which has come under fire for long A&E waiting times, was found to have patient equipment contaminated with dust, debris and bodily fluids.
Dirty trolleys were found in cubicles ready for the next patient in the immediate assessment unit. The team also found ‘heavily contaminated’ patient toilets.
The discovery was made during a spot check by Healthcare Improvement Scotland in December.
Inspectors reported their concerns to hospital bosses, but a follow-up visit in January found dirty equipment in the emergency department. Alastair McGown, senior inspector for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: ‘We had concerns in the emergency department and immediate assessment unit (IAU), and the systems in place for monitoring cleanliness.’
In December there were no dedicated staff to clean the IAU, but by January the unit had its own cleaners. There had also been a rise in emergency department cleaners.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s nurse director Margaret McGuire admitted the standards were ‘unacceptable’ and said the issues were being fully dealt with.
But Scottish Tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘This report reveals the true effects of the SNP’s handling of the health service when it comes to battling infections in our hospitals.’
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: ‘Clearly this report shows the Scottish Government’s expectations fell short and it is crucial that the board act on the findings.’