Mater Hospital, Belfast - 25 August 2011 - Regulation and Quality ...

7.0 Patient Linen
STANDARD 3.0
PATIENT LINEN
Storage of clean linen; handling and storage of used linen;
ward/department laundry facilities.
Linen B C D
Storage of clean linen 94 83 96
Storage of used linen 100 100 100
Laundry facilities N/A N/A N/A
Average score l 97 92 98
7.1 Management of Linen
All three wards are commended for achieving full compliance in the
storage of used linen section.
Wards B and D achieved a compliant score for the storage of clean
linen. Inspectors observed effective arrangements in place for the
storage of clean linen. Linen was stored in separate stores. In both
wards good practice was observed in the handling of used linen, used
linen was placed immediately into the appropriate colour coded bags at
the point of use and staff were observed to wear the appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling
soiled/contaminated linen.
Areas identified for improvement in Ward B related to the cleaning of
hand touch points on the cupboard door and in Ward D paint was
flaking from the wall.
In ward C there was dust and debris in the floor corners, both the walls
and door were damaged and the wooden shelves required sealing. It
is important that clean linen is stored in an environment free from
possible contamination.
Recommendations
6. The trust should ensure that clean linen is stored in an area
which is clean and fit for purpose.
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