A positive report for Thompson House

The Authority has published its report based on an unannounced inspection of infection prevention and hygiene at the local hospital in July.

Thompson House was assessed against the Regional Healthcare Hygiene and Cleanliness standards with the Ground Floor and First Floor Brain Injury Ward and General Ward being inspected.

Overall both wards were said to be compliant, although it was noted that the standard of maintenance and repair of the building and the lack of general information for patients, staff and visitors “impacted negatively and resulted in some partially compliant sections.”

However, the report continued: “While it is noted some improvement in staff practice and knowledge is required in the effective cleaning of the ward station, overall, the observation of staff indicated that effective hygiene and infection prevention and control practices were in place.”

It was also noted that, following renovation several years ago, the hospital was “light, bright and spacious.”

The report made eleven recommendations following the inspection, which included the need to ensure equipment is easily cleaned and in a good state of repair and that staff knowledge of cleaning and decontamination be kept up to date.

The report also stated that the South Eastern Trust should “work on the repair and maintenance of ward and public environments and to replace damaged fixtures and fittings.”

All of the recommendations made by the Authority have either been achieved or work is ongoing.

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