The HSE in the Mid West has described as "disappointing" the poor hygiene rating given to Ennis General in the latest HIQUA audit.The county hospital was one of 6 nationwide to receive formal warning letters from the Health Information and Quality Authority. However, the Acute Hospitals Network Manager for the region says a range of measures are now underway in the areas of hygiene and infection control, reports Clare FM News.
A total of nine hospitals out of the fifty looked at by HIQUA during unannounced visits by assessors were given a poor rating standard in relation to hygiene and Ennis General was among them. The inspectors looked at a number of key areas at the 88 bed county hospital including, the outpatients, emergency, surgical and the elderly department. And while it ranked high on a number of the criteria sought by HIQUA the authority identified a number of significant risks to patient safety over the premature reopening of a surgical ward and issues with upgrading work
Responding to the report the HSE in the mid west told Clare FM it was disappointed with the results for Ennis but is examining the reports carefully to address the problems identified. In a statement the Acute Hospitals network manager for the Mid-West, Mr. John Hennessy says there are now focusing on the areas of hygiene and infection control and a range of measures is already underway.
