Hygiene checks

Nine hospitals that rated 'poor'

Nine hospitals that rated 'poor'

Wexford General Hospital

The inspection team found evidence of dust, cobwebs and flaking paint. There were many trolleys that were unclean and rusty. There was no systematic process to manage patient wash bowls. A number of illegal smoking areas were also found in the hospital.

St Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire

READ MORE

Dust was observed in many locations, especially behind pipes and radiators, but also on bed frames. Flaking paint was seen in many areas. Stairs and bathroom floors require attention, especially the floor in the intensive care unit. Legs and wheels of furniture are not sufficiently well maintained to allow effective cleaning.

Nenagh General Hospital

Stairs and lifts require additional cleaning. Considerable flaking of paint was observed and high-level cleaning is required. Doors were in poor condition with splashes/dust and poor paintwork. Linen and drug trolleys required attention.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

Areas behind beds and around curtains were dusty and many areas require retiling. There was also dust on radiators. Skirting boards and walls were in a state of disrepair throughout the hospital. Floors and bathrooms needed cleaning. So too did computers and telephones. Many unofficial smoking areas were in use.

Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe

Many areas require immediate attention in relation to rust, dust and general maintenance. Flaking paint and dusty surfaces were identified in many areas. Doors, both internal and external, were unclean and had a significant amount of residual sticky tape. Closer attention is required when cleaning toilets. Used stagnant water was found stored in buckets.

Mallow General Hospital

This hospital was rated poor in the overall report published yesterday but in fact it gets "no award" according to the report sent to the hospital itself. There is no formal committee in place to oversee hygiene. Flaking paint was noted on corridor walls, bathrooms and door entrances in most areas. Evidence of unauthorised smoking was observed in five separate areas. The length of time between food being cooked and served was too long.

Our Lady's Hospital, Navan

Visible dust was observed on many horizontal surfaces. Pipework behind beds was dusty. There were cobwebs in the utility room.

Some door handles were not adequately cleaned. Intravenous pumps, stands and monitors observed were not clean. Rings and watches were noted on staff in numerous areas.

Roscommon County Hospital

High and low dust was observed in all areas assessed. Flaking paint was observed in the outpatient department. Wall tiles in shower areas were falling off walls. Bed frames in all wards were dusty. Litter and cigarette butts were found at the hospital entrance. External grounds are in need of extensive cleaning. The installation of hand wash sinks is a work in progress.

St Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork

Various staff grades clean different parts of bed frames with inconsistent results. Theatre trolleys were dusty. Cobwebs were noted on extractors over the main cooking area. The cold side of the trolleys transporting food to wards was not holding temperature.