NHS trust fails hygiene standards

The CQC said it knew the trust was taking the issues seriously

Plymouth's NHS Hospitals Trust failed to meet three standards relating to infection control, a report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) says.

The trust declared that it did not comply with all three of the government's hygiene code standards for the past year until the end of March.

The trust said it was working hard to to improve infection control.

The CQC said it was concerned over any failures of such standards, but said the declaration was a positive step.

The trust was one of 10 across the country which the CQC said failed to meet the three hygiene code standards - neighbouring Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust was also on the list.

Hand washing

The trust said it was working hard to provide the highest standards of healthcare.

It said: "The trust has been successful in reducing the spread of a variety of hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA and C-Diff, within its premises.

"Other viruses, such as norovirus, which are brought into the hospital have also been successfully contained."

It added: "More staff at the hospital are washing their hands or using alcohol gel more regularly."

Although the CQC said it was concerned over trusts which failed to meet standards, it added it was "good news" when a trust owned up to a problem as it suggested moves were afoot to rectify it.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version