Hand hygiene opportunities missed in 31% of cases

Almost one third of hand washing opportunities, central to preventing the spread of hospital infections, were missed in Irish hospitals last year according to the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Of the almost 1,500 hand hygiene opportunities observed by Hiqa in a 14-month period up to December last year, 69 per cent were taken by hospital staff.

Of the opportunities where hand-washing was observed, 79 per cent complied with best practice.

During nine inspections carried out by Hiqa in that time period just 50 per cent or less of hand washing opportunities were taken.

In Letterkenny General Hospital just 28 per cent of hand-washing opportunities were taken in an inspection in Februrary 2013 rising to 58 per cent during a follow-up inspection in June of the same year.

Hand hygiene is recognised internationally as the single most important preventative measure in the transmission of Healthcare Associated Infections in healthcare services.

As well as observing hand hygiene practices the inspections also look at the physical environment in assessing infection prevention and control.

Common non-compliance issues recorded by inspectors included:

- issues around the cleanliness in wards and other areas including light to heavy dust

- chipped paint, staining, and damaged equipment

- issues around the cleanliness of patient equipment

- unsecured clean utility rooms which created the potential for unauthorised access to needles, syringes and medications

A total of 54 inspections were carried out by Hiaq in 49 hospitals over a 14-month period between November 2012 and December 2013.

One hospital - University Hospital Galway - was not inspected as the authority was carrying out a separate investigation into patient safety at the hospital following the death of Savita Halappanavar.