A children's ward in one of the country's busiest hospitals has been found to be ‘poorly maintained', with limited space and accessibility, all of which increase the risk of cross infection, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)

It carried out an unannounced inspection of University Hospital Galway (UHG) on May 25, which included an inspection of St Bernadette's Ward - a paediatric ward comprising of 32 beds, which are divided into two four-bedded rooms and single rooms.

A report based on HIQA's findings revealed that the infrastructure and the design of this ward was ‘outdated and as such had the potential to impact on effective infection control'.

"Bed spacing with limited spatial separation was observed in the two four-bed wards and did not facilitate ease of movement of staff, patients, parents or visitors.

"Minimal spatial separation between beds did not comply with best practice guidelines, which was insufficient to enable the carrying out of clinical activities without compromising infection prevention and control practices. Limited accessibility and space in patient rooms increases the risk of cross infection," the report stated.

It noted that most of the single rooms on the ward did not have ensuite facilities and many of these rooms were ‘very small, with insufficient space to comfortably accommodate parents with their children'.

These rooms did not have sufficient storage space for patients' personal belongings and access to several of the hand wash sinks was obstructed at the time of the inspection.

The report said that the ward was overall ‘poorly maintained'.

"The majority of surfaces and finishes throughout the ward, including wall paintwork, wood finishes on doors, door frames and skirting boards were damaged and poorly maintained and as such did not facilitate effective cleaning.

"Maintenance issues were also observed in the toilet facilities in which casing behind toilets were degraded, floors were stained and evidence of leakage was present around toilet outlet pipes," it noted.

Meanwhile, the inspectors also found that cleaning equipment and supplies were inappropriate stored and access to ancillary rooms was not secured, ‘allowing unauthorised access to equipment, supplies, cleaning products and consumables'.

"This is a particular concern in a paediatric unit and should be addressed as a priority," they insisted.

It was reported to HIQA that cleaning resources allocated to this ward are not sufficient. These resources are allocated up to 3pm each day and are then on call for the rest of the day and night. HIQA said that this should be reviewed, especially given the complexity of cases being dealt with by this ward.

HIQA added that it will continue to monitor the hospital in order to assure the public that UHG ‘is making quality and safety improvements that safeguard patients'.