Aberdeen hospital 'must up fight against infection risk'

Patients at a Scottish hospital were given contaminated baby wipes and cleansing gel to use, according to inspectors.

Healthcare Environment Inspectorate uncovered faults at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and said more needed to be done to minimise the risk of infection to patients, visitors and staff.

Contaminated equipment, including dirty commodes and bed rails, was found in more than one ward at the hospital in the June inspection while baby wipes and cleansing gel provided for shared patient use had dirty marks on the packaging.

Inspectors raised this immediately with the senior charge nurse as "toiletries should be provided for single use and not shared".

Although the wards at the hospital were generally found to be clean, dust was uncovered on curtain rails, bedside equipment and under beds. Clinical gloves had also been put into bins designed for domestic waste.

The report states: "Overall, we observed good compliance with standard infection and control precautions during this inspection. However, we did find that further improvement is required."

Clinical manager for acute sector Jonathan Lofthouse said the report showed "significant progress" with strong developments taking place at the hospital. He said an action plan was in place at the hospital to ensure improvements were made.

This article is courtesy of the Herald Scotland.