25 November 2015
The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has today issued a report following an unannounced theatre inspection at the Borders General Hospital on September 29th and 30th 2015.
The Inspectors found that NHS Borders has met all seven of the requirements made at the previous unannounced inspection of the Theatre Department in May 2015.
Commenting on the follow up report, Director of Nursing, Midwifery & Acute Services at NHS Borders, Evelyn Rodger, said: “The inspection report confirms that we have met all seven requirements, and demonstrated the standards of cleanliness that are expected across NHS Borders.
“All inspections are a snapshot of a point in time, and provide learning opportunities for us. As an organisation we responded immediately to the findings from the initial unannounced inspection and put in place a robust improvement plan which included the review of cleaning methods and documentation, and the introduction of a new training programme through which every member of staff has been assessed on their knowledge, understanding and practical skills in relation to the correct cleaning methods.
“The improvements observed by the Inspectors reflect the hard work and dedication of the theatre staff, infection control team and other front line staff. We remain committed to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and are confident that our theatres reflect that commitment. Our focus remains to ensure that the improvements made continue to be sustained.”
Senior Charge Nurse in Theatres, Lisa Love said: “These inspections have been a positive learning experience for all theatre staff and I am delighted that the hard work and commitment demonstrated in response to the initial inspection has been reflected in what the Inspectors observed in September.
”We will continue to focus on ongoing improvements to quality and patient safety.”
Echoing Lisa’s sentiments, Senior Charge Nurse for the Recovery Area, Louise Todd said: “The changes introduced as part of our response to the HEI Inspection have been embraced by staff and we are committed to sustained improvement for our patients.”
Alison Todd, Senior Charge Nurse in the Day Procedure Unit agreed by saying: “We are pleased with the outcome of the unannounced follow-up inspection. Theatre Department staff have worked really hard and are dedicated to continuous improvement.”
Chris Richard, Consultant in Anaesthetics & Intensive Care at NHS Borders said: “As the first hospital to be inspected as part of the HEI’s dedicated Theatres inspection program, we have had a unique scrutiny of our facilities and processes.
“I am delighted that we have satisfied all the requirements of the two inspections. This demonstrates the priority and effort that NHS Borders puts into matters related to Patient Safety.”