Raigmore given 'could do better' cleaning audit

A Highland hospital has been ordered to improve its cleaning system and staff training following an inspection.

Officers from the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) found Raigmore Hospital in Inverness clean and well maintained during an unannounced visit last month. But the body issued several requirements, including the need for a regular mattress audit and a rota for changing curtains.

HEI chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: "The hospital was clean and well maintained and there was good awareness and implementation of isolation procedures for patients with known infections.

"However we also found areas where improvement is required. Formal cleaning schedules must be implemented across all wards to ensure compliance with national standards, and NHS Highland has yet to finalise an education strategy to ensure staff receive regular education and training to prevent and control infection."

Heidi May, board nurse director for NHS Highland, said: "The HEI report shows that whilst Raigmore Hospital is clean and in a good state of repair we cannot be complacent."