INSPECTORS found that a Glasgow hospital department was difficult to clean effectively because of the poor state of the building.
They recorded mould on shower trays, plug holes and shower curtains, dust and grime on floors and “significant” dust on movable patient equipment at the Institute of Neurological Sciences at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus in Glasgow.
They also noted “multiple” issues with the building, such as water ingress on ceiling tiles, extensive damage to walls and shower trays and broken PVC sealant on showers, sinks and toilets.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) inspectors made an unannounced visit to QEUH itself, the neurosciences building and the Royal Hospital for Children in November following an earlier inspection in January last year.
Their inspection included child cancer ward 6A, which was closed to new admissions last August after three patients contracted infections – before reopening in November – while inspectors also examined the maternity unit.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has been under pressure after an infections scandal at the flagship £800 million QEUH hospital campus, which opened in 2015.
In the report published yesterday, inspectors said the standard of environmental cleaning has improved in the emergency department and initial assessment unit since their visit in January 2019 and also found good staff compliance with standard infection control precautions.
But it raised concerns about the Institute of Neurological Sciences, which is an older building on the campus.
NHSGGC has been asked for comment.
Ian Smith, head of quality of care at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Since our previous inspection in January 2019, good progress has been made to meet the requirements in our report.
“The standard of cleaning has improved in the emergency department and initial assessment unit at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”
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