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Care Opinion

Hygiene

Posted By Visitor1955

"Hygiene"

About: The Christie

(as a relative),

I recently visited a relative in the hospital and saw medication dispensed using only the hand. I. e. The pills were taken from the bottle with fingers (and I did not witness the hands being washed) and passed to the patient in the palm of the hand.

Could this be a way of passing on infection?

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Responses

Response from Maimie Thompson, Head of Public Relations and Engagement, Chief Executive's Office, NHS Highland 6 years ago
Maimie Thompson
Head of Public Relations and Engagement, Chief Executive's Office,
NHS Highland

Submitted on 10/07/2017 at 09:10
Published on Care Opinion at 11:10

picture of Maimie Thompson

Dear Visitor1955

I hope your relative is making progress and that colleagues in the hospital you visited respond to your posting. From NHS Highland perspective, I have spoken to pharmacy colleagues and our practice in hospital settings is that we would use small disposable pots or disposal teaspoons. Thanks for the posting.

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Response from The Christie 6 years ago
The Christie

Submitted on 20/07/2017 at 15:05
Published on nhs.uk at 15:31

We are sorry that a member of staff has been seen handling medication in this way. This would not be our usual practice.

This may be a way of passing on infection but it is difficult to say without further information. We therefore would appreciate it if you could contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) so this can be looked into further.

They can be contacted on 0161 446 8217 or pals@christie.nhs.uk .

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Update posted by Visitor1955 (a relative)

Thank you for your response. As there was another nurse present I can only assume that this is common practise amongst staff and not a one off event. Perhaps this could be addressed across all wards to ensure that the correct procedure is used when giving medication, especially ensuring that small pots / spoons are available in each medication pod.

Response from Christie Trust 6 years ago
Christie Trust

Submitted on 26/07/2017 at 10:30
Published on Care Opinion at 11:19

Thank you for the further information. It is important that all our nurses maintain the highest standards for infection control. Your concerns were shared with our matrons and the message is being cascaded to all nursing staff so they are aware of the standards we expect.

We trust that there will be no further incidents like that which you have described.

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