Status Report on Deficiencies

Deficiencies

There was not consistent scheduling of training programmes across the region, for example, in hand washing, universal precautions, handling of sharps disposal bins, cleaning of equipment Infection control manuals were not up to date as the most current version (2014) of the manual was not present at all facilities Approximately 60 per cent of hand wash basins on the ward and treatment rooms had no instructions No documented evidence of cleaning schedules Step on bins were not always present for use at hand wash stations, and soap and hand drying apparatus were not present at all hand washing stations. Signs of impending fungal growth present on the hand wash basin in the gowning room of the nursery No dedicated bin in the nursery for disposition of medical waste, and staff were observed at multiple facilities removing medical waste bags without gloves Soiled linen was occasionally transported without being bagged, and there was improper storage of soiled linen in some areas Lack of proper decontamination exercises, hence instruments became sources for transmitting infections

Status

The Infection Control Committee has been conducting ongoing training with emphasis on hand washing, handling of sharps, proper cleaning techniques and universal precautions. Training in now mandatory for ancillary staff at orientation and procurement of their protective clothing for ancillary staff is being done. The Health Facilities Infection Control Policies and Procedures Manual is now available on all wards Hand washing reminders are displayed over washbasins on the wards and in treatment rooms. Cleaning schedules are now present and proper post patient discharge cleaning procedures are being practised. Additional hand basins, foot operated, have been installed in the high risk clinical service areas. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in key areas to encourage and facilitate hand hygiene. Hand sanitizer in pump bottles are also widely available. All hand basins have running water. Soap and paper towel dispensers are also present at each hand basin. Sharps bins are now correctly labeled and are placed in wall mounted receptacles. Smaller sharps bins were procured and are available. Soiled linen is now handled as little as possible, placed in clear plastic bags which are tied when 3/4 full and removed in leakproof containers. Cavicide is now being used as a disinfecting cleaning solution and the procedure regarding cleaning and disinfecting after large spills, as outlined in the Infection Control Policy Manual, is now being adhered to.