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Poor hand hygiene in maternity unit

Posted By Tedsmaw1

"Poor hand hygiene in maternity unit"

About: Royal Alexandra Hospital / Community Maternity Unit Royal Alexandra Hospital / Maternity care (Ward 31)

(as a service user),

Whilst awaiting my ultrasound scan at the RAH Maternity, I witnessed a badge less HCSW wandering around the unit - in and out of rooms and the office - wearing gloves and an apron. For a unit with an 85% IPCAT, I really did expect improvements and attention to hand hygiene. It doesn’t fill an expectant mother with confidence during a pandemic.  

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Responses

Response from Evelyn Frame, Chief Midwife, Women and Children's, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 years ago
We have made a change
Evelyn Frame
Chief Midwife, Women and Children's,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 25/06/2021 at 10:54
Published on Care Opinion at 15:39

Dear Tedsmaw1

Many thanks for taking the time to provide us with feedback on your experience while attending for your ultrasound.

I would like to reassure you that we take infection control very serious within our Maternity Services and at all times expect staff to be fully compliant with their use of PPE and our infection control processes.

Within the scan department the HCSW will put on PPE (masks, gloves and Apron) while using Actichlor to disinfect all the touch surfaces in each room including door handles and light switches which is undertaken every hour. The HSCW would not be expected to remove PPE when going from room to room as they would be having no direct contact with women. We would expect the HCSW to remove/change the PPE when the task was finished or if they had direct contact with a women during this time. I have every confidence this was what was seen, however I have asked the Lead Sonographer to ensure this is discussed and reinforced with all staff.

I was disappointed to hear that the HCSW did not have a visible badge, as again all staff are expected to wear identification at all times. The Lead Sonographer will also raise this with staff and remind them of the need to ensure their ID badge is visible to the public.

I have also asked that a further IPCAT audit is undertaken and that the Lead Sonographer monitors the wearing of staff ID badges.

I hope this gives you some reassurance that we take infection control seriously and would like to thank you for raising your concerns as this has allowed us to review how we can make sure women feel safe when attending any of our maternity units.

I wish you all the best for the remainder of your pregnancy and birth.

Best Wishes

Evelyn

Evelyn Frame, Chief Midwife

NHS GGC

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