Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has received another blow, with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) naming it as one of the nine least hygienic hospitals in the country in its Hygiene Audit.

The assessment team, which rated Portiuncula as 'poor', made a number of recommendations as to where management at Portiuncula could improve hygiene standards, including: compliance with the Irish Acute Hospitals Cleaning Manual 2006; improved risk management resources; development of a detailed cleaning schedule; preparation of comprehensive cleaning contracts; HACCP compliance of kitchens in the hospital, and; development of policies and procedures for dealing with bed linen.

The audit is a further blow to Portiuncula Hospital, which has just lost its breast cancer treatment services. While the hospital was rated as 'poor', HIQA did have some positive comments to make, including noting that a patient satisfaction survey and a quality improvement plan were both in place, and there was a comprehensive approach in place to deal with disposal of waste and sharp implements.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot Connolly said he was disappointed with the result, but said "the resources are not being put in place so services are also deteriorating ? no wonder the hygiene is deteriorating too. The staff are great but resources aren't there to match their ability to deliver."

Both University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital were rated 'fair' in the audit. In the report, UHG was noted for the significant improvement it had made over the past 12 to 18 months, while the commitment and desire of staff at the hospital to improve the situation was also noted. A need for more clinical hand washing basins was identified, as well as a lack of appropriate waste storage facilities.

Merlin Park was commended for staff commitment and leadership, particularly in catering, waste and infection control, although standardisation of procedures and documented action plans were highlighted as an area for improvement.

In a statement made after the results of the review were announced, the HSE welcomed the positive findings on levels of hospital hygiene, adding "a lot of good work has been undertaken and positive assessments were made."

All nine of the hospitals in the 'poor' category are smaller hospitals like Portiuncula, such as Roscommon County Hospital and Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, Co Meath. Both University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital rated 'fair', while all seven hospitals in the 'good' category, were in Leinster. No hospital was rated 'very good'.

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