Health bosses have been criticised over the “poor” condition of a ward in a Dundee hospital.
Inspectors have raised concerns about ward cleanliness at the Royal Victoria Hospital after they found part of one ward in a “poor state of repair” during an unannounced inspection in July this year.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland teams currently have a combined focus on safety and cleanliness, and the care of older people, due the elderly’s vulnerability to Covid-19.
Ian Smith, head of quality of care, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said:
“During our inspection we found the cleanliness of the environment appeared to be generally good and the majority of patient equipment was found to be clean.
“However, parts of one ward in particular were found to be in a poor state of repair. This issue was not reflected in the infection control audit which is carried out regularly in order to provide assurance of ward cleanliness.
“NHS Tayside must ensure that the environment is effectively monitored and maintained to allow effective infection prevention and control.”
He said there were also issues with incomplete nutritional assessments and care plans.
“We also found that patients were treated with dignity and respect. However, we found issues with the completion of some documentation such as nutritional assessments and care plans.
“NHS Tayside must ensure that documentation is fully and accurately completed, and that patients have person-centred care plans in place for all identified care needs,” he added.
NHS Tayside has been approached for comment.
