Health inspectors have ordered a Moray hospital to improve staff knowledge of how to manage blood spills and store clinical waste.
A team from the Scottish Government’s Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) raised a series of concerns following an unannounced visit to Dr Gray’s Hospital in April.
Two workers were seen cleaning blood-contaminated surfaces incorrectly, and two blood gas analysers, which should be cleaned after every use, were found to be contaminated with blood.
The concentration of disinfectant used to decontaminate the analysers was wrong, and was only changed once a week rather than the recommended once every 24-hours.
Inspectors also noted several unlocked clinical waste storage bins in unlocked rooms.
And while the majority of staff were aware of the correct procedure for managing blood and body fluid spillages, five of the seven-strong team in the accident and emergency department did not know the correct dilution ratio for chlorine-releasing disinfectant.
HEI head of quality of care Jacqui Macrae said the inspection was “largely positive”, but her team had set out three requirements for improvements.
“We found evidence that NHS Grampian is complying with the majority of standards to protect patients, staff and visitors from the risk of acquiring an infection,” she said.
“In particular, there was a good standard of environmental cleanliness in the hospital and we saw generally good compliance with standard infection control precautions (SICPs).
“However, we did find that further improvement is required in staff’s knowledge of how to safely manage blood spillages and clinical waste must be appropriately stored while awaiting uplift. NHS Grampian must address the requirements and the necessary improvements, as a matter of priority.”
A spokeswoman for the hospital said: “NHS Grampian is pleased that in this predominantly positive report the inspection team found good levels of both environmental cleanliness and compliance with infection prevention and control procedures at Dr Gray’s. Patients also spoke highly of cleanliness at the hospital.
“The report makes three requirements. An action plan has been developed to meet these and work is progressing.
“This report reflects the teamwork and dedication of staff who continue to implement best practice in controlling and preventing the spread of infection.”