I attended to donate blood in Broughshane recently.
The health care assistant who did my finger prick did not do any hand hygiene after their previous patient or before they pricked my finger. I observed them after I left, flicking through their phone and playing with their hair. They did not do any hand hygiene.
I reported this to the deputy sister who reminded the staff member and their colleagues about the importance of hand hygiene.
Unfortunately, I am very vigilant because this is the third consecutive visit to donate blood where this has happened to me. I report this every time and complete comment cards but this poor practice continues. On my last visit, the staff member had the same pair of gloves on for at least the 3 patients I observed.
Can I ask, what IPC training do the HCAs receive and how often are spot check audits of hand hygiene compliance conducted?
I am a great advocate of donating blood but the persistent poor standard of hand hygiene would make me reluctant to donate in the future as I feel it is putting me at risk.
"Persistently poor hand hygiene"
About: Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
Posted by Tr01 (as ),
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