Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns regarding the standard of cleanliness in Ward 17 of Ninewells Hospital (the Hospital). He complained that Tayside NHS Board (the Board) failed to maintain an adequate standard of cleanliness in the ward and that their systems for monitoring cleanliness were flawed. Mr C also complained that, when he visited the Hospital, patient records were left unattended in areas accessible by the public.
Specific complaint and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) cleanliness standards at the Hospital were poor (no finding);
- (b) staff at the Hospital failed to adhere to the Board's hygiene policies (no finding);
- (c) the Board's procedures for monitoring cleanliness were ineffective (not upheld); and
- (d) the Board failed to securely store patient records (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) invite Mr C to a meeting at the Hospital to discuss his concerns about cleanliness and infection control; and
- (ii) instruct their Caldecott Guardian to review the procedures for transferring clinical records between the Orthopaedic Out-patient Clinic reception area and clinical staff to ensure the security of clinical records at all times.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act upon them accordingly.