31 July 2019

Today Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) have issued a report following an announced inspection of our Community Hospitals between 21 – 23 May 2019 which looked at our compliance with Healthcare Improvement Scotland Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards (February 2015).

The report is positive and highlights good compliance with infection control training and precautions. The inspectors noted the good level of knowledge and understanding that our staff had regarding various components that tie into these standards such as good compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sharps bins, linen and transmission based precautions that should be taken when caring for patients in isolation.

The report also recognises the good standard of cleaning and the cleanliness of wards, bathrooms and equipment. Patient feedback to inspectors also supported this, with comments including;

Hay Lodge Community Hospital:
'The staff are extremely careful with cleanliness.'
'Staff are excellent, cleanliness excellent.'

Hawick Community Hospital:
'Cleanliness and hygiene control is excellent in this hospital.'
'Cleaning is very good. Can't fault it.'

Kelso Community Hospital:
'I feel that the hospital is generally safe and very clean.'
'I am happy with the overall standard of hygiene.'

Knoll Community Hospital:
'They clean everything. They are never done. They should have golden wings.'
'This hospital is top in my opinion for cleanliness.'

The report identifies a few areas where minor improvements could be made. These include repairs to the fabric of our buildings including scrapes in walls and damaged doors, to allow for more effective cleaning. Staff have been reminded of how to report any issues to our Estates & Facilities colleagues.

Drawing their inspection to a close the HIS team said their visit had "been a delight" and that our staff "take pride in their community".

Nicky Berry, Director of Nursing Midwifery and Acute Services said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff who work incredibly hard on a daily basis to provide high quality care for our patients. This report is testament to all the hard work and effort that they put in."

The full inspection report is available to view at: http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/inspecting_and_regulating_care/nhs_hospitals_and_services/nhs_borders/hawick_community_hospital.aspx