Altnaglevin Hospital, Londonderry - 22 November 2011

6.1 Cleaning
During the inspection there was evidence to indicate compliance with
regional specifications for cleaning. However, inspectors observed,
that while cleaning mechanisms were in place to prevent the build up of
dust, debris and bacteria and subsequently minimise the potential risk
for the transmission of infection, these were not always effectively
implemented or adhered to by staff.
The team inspected the two receptions areas, the main reception which
is part of the old hospital and the entrance to the new wing. The main
reception had no cleaning issues except for the fabric finish of the
chairs which were stained. In contrast the outside of the reception of
the new wing was littered with discarded cigarettes butts and grass
was growing up through the paving. The glass entrance doors were
very soiled and the overhead external glass ceiling was partly covered
in green moss (Picture1). The disabled door access button was
marked and required cleaning.
Picture 1: Glass in new reception area
Overall the of cleaning in Ward 3, 31 and 40 was of a good standard.
In Ward 31 more attention was required to cleaning areas such as floor
corners and behind bins, which were dusty. The wall behind the sink in
the clean utility room, the door frame of the dirty utility room and the
frame of a patient bed were stained. In the sanitary areas, the frame of
the shower chair, in the bathroom was stained and in the toilet the
underside of the raised toilet seat was stained and the framework was
rusted. Both the inside of a toilet bowl and the sluice hopper in the
dirty utility room required cleaning.
Ward 3 had only been re-opened for a week after refurbishment and
some surfaces such as the patients’ bedside table and computer key
boards were dusty. In the dirty utility room there was paper debris in
the high density storage units and adhesive residue on the glass panel
of the door. There was a fabric finished chair in the treatment room,
this is not suitable for clinical areas as it cannot be effectively cleaned.
The bathroom was being used to store a hoist and 2 slings, there was
12