Inspectors found dust and mould in some areas when they carried out the unannounced visit in December.
Inspectors discovered equipment contaminated with blood and bodily fluids during a visit to a Scots hospital.
The unannounced inspection in December also revealed the presence of dust and mould in certain areas of Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) conducted the follow-up after an initial inspection from July 31 to August 2 last year highlighted serious concerns regarding patient safety and the maintenance of the hospital environment.
In December, HIS acknowledged that NHS Fife is carrying out ongoing improvement work but pointed out additional areas needing attention.
They commended nine areas of good practice and made one recommendation along with 13 requirements.
According to the inspection report, inspectors encountered several instances of equipment, such as a commode, being contaminated with bodily fluids.
The report further noted: “Items also found to be contaminated with blood and bodily fluids were pat slides and damage to patient moving and handling equipment.”
Inspectors observed dust within ceiling air vents across multiple wards and spotted a small amount of mould in one ward’s kitchen, on a pipe, in the showers, and at the bottom of shower curtains.
HIS has issued requirements that include ensuring equipment is decontaminated after use and that vents are regularly monitored and cleaned.
The report highlighted that Victoria Hospital was under strain at the time of the follow-up inspection, dealing with a surge in patient numbers, limited staff, and high acuity of patients.
This led NHS Fife to utilise extra beds in clinical spaces, which could affect patient dignity concerning access to shower facilities, inspectors indicated.
The report stated: “Whilst we observed that patient privacy curtains were used to maintain privacy and dignity in ward areas that had additional beds, a lack of available shower facilities may have an impact on patient choice, dignity and fundamentals of care.”
NHS Fife has reported that actions to rectify the issues flagged by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) are already in motion.
Donna Maclean, Chief Inspector for HIS, commented: “During this follow-up inspection we have been assured that progress has been made by NHS Fife, with all requirements relating to maintenance of the healthcare environment being met or partially met.
“Patients and relatives were complimentary about their care and the staff providing it. The areas inspected were calm and well-led, with hospital teams working together to provide compassionate care.
“The majority of staff we spoke with described Victoria Hospital as a good place to work, with a supportive and visible senior management team.
“However, further improvement is required in relation to maintaining patient dignity, hand hygiene, patient documentation, fire training compliance, the safe storage of cleaning products, and the safe management of waste.”
Janette Keenan, NHS Fife’s director of nursing, expressed satisfaction with the report’s acknowledgement of significant progress in refurbishing older hospital wards since previous inspections, stating: “We are pleased that the report recognises the considerable progress made to improve wards in the older part of the hospital, with significant refurbishments being carried out since the previous visits.”
She also noted the positive observation by inspectors of an open and supportive staff culture, which is crucial for delivering quality healthcare: “We are also happy that inspectors observed an open and supportive culture amongst staff at all levels working in the hospital, which we work hard to foster, and is vital in enabling us to provide good quality, holistic healthcare.”
Keenan highlighted the timing of the inspection during a period of high pressure on the hospital: “The latest unannounced inspection took place in December when, as the report notes, our hospital was under considerable pressure due to the rise in the numbers of those seriously unwell patients requiring inpatient care, and the impact of winter illnesses on staff availability.”
She praised the dedication of the hospital staff, reflected in the positive feedback from patients and relatives: “It is testament to the hard work and diligence of hospital staff that patients and relatives were so complimentary of the care being provided, even in such difficult and challenging circumstances.”
Keenan acknowledged the need for ongoing improvements and assured that efforts are in place to address them promptly: “As is common with inspections of this type, areas were identified where there is scope for improvement. Work is already well under way to address these areas as quickly as possible.”
