Almost half of public acute hospitals in the State are deemed to be in a "poor" state of hygiene, according to a report published today.
The first National Hygiene Audit of Acute Hospitals found that 48 per cent of the hospitals randomly inspected scored below 75 per cent after unannounced inspections in July and August.
Of 54 hospitals inspected, only nine per cent were deemed "good" (85 per cent or higher), while 43 per cent were found to be in a "fair" (76-84 per cent) state of hygiene.
The report, published by the National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the Health Service Executive (HSE), concludes that a national standards in hygiene have to be set up as an immediate priority and adhered to across the board.
Launching the report, director of the NHO, Pat McLoughlin said: "It is quite clear from this audit that historically there has not been a consistent national approach to hygiene within our hospitals.
"The Health Service Executive, as a national body, is in a unique position to ensure that there are high and consistent standards across the board nationally."
The nationwide inspections particularly focused on outpatients' wards, intensive care units, accident and emergency, a medical and surgical ward and a specialist ward.
Areas such has environment, kitchens, waste handling, linen, hand hygiene and the management of general patient equipment were all taken into account.
There was often no discernible connection between those with similar ratings. Of the top 10 hospitals seven had occupancy rates of over 85 per cent, only three had a microbiologist, five had contract cleaners, three had in-house cleaners and two had a mixture of both.
The report recommends that the HSE be provided with results from pilot schemes and a set of national control and cleaning standards. It also states that a colour coding policy for waste should be established, along with national cleaning specifications, waste management standards and a common kitchen policy.
The training of staff in the new standards is also "essential", it says, as is a review on the amount of technical support available within hospitals.
An initial capital grant of €20m will be provided to help implement the recommendations.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said: "[There is now] very stark evidence-based results that show that 91 per cent of our hospitals fall below acceptable hygiene standards.
"As with the whole health sector, it is vital that new investment is accompanied by reform and better management and work practices where they are clearly identified as needed," she added.
NHO pilot schemes will be taking place during November and December in Tullamore General Hospital, Roscommon County Hospital and AMNCH Tallaght.
