James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of risks that have been addressed in full of the 80 risks identified by the Health Service Executive in its hygiene services assessment scheme quality improvement plan report on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, published in April 2009; the number unaddressed; if she believes that unaddressed risks are contributing to the outbreak of infection at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40874/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The National Hygiene Services Quality Review 2008 was conducted in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on 17th October 2008 by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The HIQA audit identified three areas of risk in the hospital and as a result the hospital received an overall rating of 'Poor'. The areas related to Managing Risks in Hygiene Services (HIQA Criteria 7.1) Contracts Management (HIQA Criteria 8.1) and Physical Environment, Facilities and Resources (HIQA Criteria 9.1). None of the aforementioned risks are known as contributory factors in the current Clostridium Difficile outbreak.

The Health Service Executive requested a Quality Improvement Plan to address the three areas of risk and also to address the recommendations outlined in the HIQA report. A quality improvement plan was developed by the hospital's Hygiene Committee and Hygiene Team and quarterly progress reports have been submitted to the HSE. The Quarter 3 reports illustrate that 80% of quality improvements identified have been achieved, 19% (refurbishments) are not yet due and one action, outside the remit of the hospital pertaining to a regional service, remains outstanding. I am satisfied that the issues raised by HIQA's Hygiene Services Quality Review are being satisfactorily addressed.