Unclean equipment and hand hygiene issues found in HIQA inspection of Nenagh Hospital.

In an unannounced inspection – the Health Information and Quality Authority found high levels of dust, unclean commodes – a concern given its potential link to the spread of C-Diff, and stains on patient equipment.

It also found it needed to improve awareness about the importance of hand hygiene

The inspection took place on the 21st of October and focused on Medical Two Ward. 

Overall, the ward was found to be generally clean with the exception of a 10-bedded unit in which significant levels of dust were found, as well mattress stains and unclean equipment.

The report also highlights the issue of brown stains observed on two commodes as a 'particular concern' as there was 3 cases of Clostridium difficile infection in the hospital at the time and this increased the chances of the infection spreading.

It also raises concerns about the hygiene levels of some equipment, including a stained IV pump, two small red stains on a blood gas machine, and an unclean temperature probe and nasogastric feeding pump.