Overcrowding in cancer day ward at MGH criticised by HIQA

Overcrowding in cancer day ward at MGH criticised by HIQA


Taoiseach is disappointed by ‘inadequacies’ highlighted

Áine Ryan

DOUBLE the recommended number of cancer patients were accommodated in a Mayo General Hospital Day Ward when HIQA made an unannounced inspection on March 12 last, The Mayo News can confirm. The report reveals that 20 patients were accommodated in the two-room Oncology and Haematology ward.
Referring specifically to Mayo General Hospital (MGH), it states that ‘the designated day ward space in some hospitals was never intended to cater for the volume of patients currently attending the service’. Hospital staff informed the inspectors that the ward ‘set-up about five years ago as a temporary facility’.
The HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) inspection was conducted in 26 hospitals across the country that administer cancer therapy. The team of inspectors assessed the Elderly Medicine Ward, the Oncology and Haematology Day Wards, as well as Wards A and D at MGH. These wards had already been the subject of a critique at the Castlebar hospital after an inspection in July 2014.
Environmental hygiene – specifically, dust levels – was also identified as an ongoing problem in some areas in the latest report. The inspectors noted that ‘that not all lessons had been learned [since the 2014 report] was published and that ‘significant improvements are required in the management and maintenance of environmental hygiene within the hospital’.
Compliance with hand-hygiene regulations was low (28.5 percent, or ten out of 35 instances) during the inspection at the Elderly Medicine Ward and the Oncology and Haematology Ward, the inspectors reported. They also noted that ‘most of the issues identified during the 2014 inspection relating to sanitary facilities on Ward A have not been resolved’.
The report did note some improvements but generally highlighted ongoing issues that must be addressed. Senior management explained to inspectors that certain improvements to sanitary facilities recommended in 2014 had now been applied for under ‘major capital funding’.  
HIQA carries out unannounced inspection in public acute hospitals throughout the country to monitor compliance with National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.
Hospital response
Charlie Meehan, General Manager, Mayo General Hospital said he welcomed the report.
“We recognise the important and valuable role of HIQA in promoting safety and quality in the healthcare services. This report highlights areas for further attention and will assist us to improve the environment for our patients and ensure patient safety. I would like to acknowledge the on-going commitment and dedication of our staff in providing a patient centred approach and we will work together to focus our efforts on the areas highlighted in this report.”
Mr Meehan said the hospital is in the process of updating its Quality Improvement Plan to address the recommendations contained in the report.  
“These include focusing our priorities on improving the maintenance and management of the environment. We are implementing our action plan to address the deficits identified and to build on the areas where we have demonstrated good practice. In addition, the hospital will continue to build on improving performance with respect to hand hygiene compliance rates.”

Taoiseach’s response
TAOISEACH Enda Kenny said in a statement that it ‘was disappointing to note the inadequacies pointed out during the inspection’.
“I am, however, happy to note that HIQA have recognised that a number of improvements have been put in place, and I expect management and staff to work with the HSE to implement fully the recommendations in the report, particularly in reference to hand hygiene,” Deputy Kenny said.
Meanwhile, Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne said it was past time for the Taoiseach to address the issues at MGH.