Iveagh Centre, Belfast - Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

7.0 Patient Linen
STANDARD 3.0
PATIENT LINEN
Storage of clean linen; handling and storage of used linen; ward/
department laundry facilities.
Patient linen
Storage of clean linen 95
Storage of used linen 88
Laundry facilities 79
Average Score 87
7.1 Management of Linen
Picture 4 stained bed linen
Both sections on the storage
of clean and used linen were
compliant, and with minor
adjustment could be fully
compliant. The inspectors
noted the bed linen on a bed
inspected was clean;
however there were several
permanent stains on the fitted
sheet. (Picture 4) Linen
should be inspected as part
of the wash process and worn
or stained items should be
removed from use.
Staff should ensure used linen is segregated appropriately. Inspectors
noted wet towels had been disposed of into a red coloured linen bag
which staff confirmed was for the disposal of foul /contaminated linen.
The towels had not been inserted into an alginate bag. Both lids on the
used linen skip were broken.
The Centre has its own laundry facility, which processes the children’s
clothes and bed linen. There were cleaning issues with regard to dust
and debris on the floor and under shelf units and high surfaces, the
outside of the washing machine was dusty and stained and there was
limescale on the taps.
On speaking to support services staff, inspectors were advised there
were no written instructions or guidelines on the laundry process. This
was raised as an additional issue.
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