Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 86: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that staff at the Mater Hospital, Dublin have been given suggested answers to questions they may be asked in the second national hygiene audit; the steps she intends to take to ensure that this second national hygiene audit is fully transparent and accountable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15478/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that all acute hospitals were notified that the second national hygiene audit was being carried out between February and April 2006. Visits to hospitals were again random and unannounced with hospitals unaware of their audit date.

The audit tool being used for both audits is the Infection Control Nurses Association Audit Tool. This audit tool includes a number of questions which the auditors pose to different staff members during the audit. Best practice by all hospitals in preparing for the audits should be to ensure that staff are familiar with the audit tool and that they are capable of responding to questions posed by the auditors. I am satisfied that the audits are resulting in an increased awareness and resolve in all hospitals to attain the necessary high standards in cleaning and hygiene.