Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

During the summer a report was published which outlined huge failings by a number of health care providers in hospitals throughout the country with regard to hygiene. Last week Dr. Tracey Cooper from HIQA appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. She stated hand hygiene good practice did not require monetary investment. It is not often we hear that improving outcomes for patients does not require money. What it does require is cultural change and leadership. Some of those best paid from the public purse are hospital consultants and they should be the leaders and drivers of change in culture in hospitals. However, basic issues such as hand hygiene standards are not adhered to.

During an unannounced visit to Waterford Regional Hospital in June, 45 hand hygiene opportunities were observed by the relevant person but only 20 were taken, of which only 19 were compliant. This is a serious breach of trust between the public and care providers. Over the weekend I had the misfortune of having to attend the local accident and emergency department with a family member. We received wonderful service and were tended to very efficiently by the staff. On our way in I observed there was no signage to tell members of the public to clean their hands. We had to seek hand gel. This is very basic. We have an issue with trying to change the culture in hospitals and this issue needs to be examined. It does not require monetary investment, but we know from evidence and best practice throughout the world that it is the single most effective way to ensure we prevent health care associated infections.

I have spoken to people who have tragically lost family members to health care associated infections. What recourse will there be with regard to hospitals in breach of such basic hand hygiene standards? HIQA's role is to monitor and work with hospitals to try to improve hand hygiene, but there are no consequences for public hospitals which continuously fail to meet basic hygiene standards. It is our wish that we will never have to impose sanctions on hospitals for failing to meet hygiene standards, but it is imperative that we act to ensure hospitals are encouraged and supported to meet them. I am sure other public representatives have also come across people who are afraid to go to hospital because they fear they may become sicker, rather than getting better. The public has a huge role to play in adhering to hospital visiting policies. We also need leadership within the hospital system and must ensure those in positions of authority and leadership lead on very basic matters such as hygiene, particularly hand hygiene.

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