POOR conditions in some Inverclyde Royal wards have drawn criticism from inspectors despite issues being flagged up to hospital bosses in a previous report.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) carried out an unannounced visit to the mental health inpatient areas of the hospital in April, having previously conducted a separate inspection of IRH in October last year.

The findings of the latest visit have just been released.

Donna McLean, chief inspector at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said officials observed ‘similar areas for improvement’ from those initially identified in their 2022 report.

The watchdog stated that parts of the facility, which has 90 mental health inpatient beds, were ‘in a state of poor repair’ and detailed how brown stains were observed on parts of the ceiling, which they were told was due to heavy rain and poor drainage.

Inspectors found marks on the walls throughout the wards and communal areas and in one instance observed a hole in the wall of a main corridor.

The report says members of the hospital’s estates department stated flooding was a problem due to poor roof design.

Senior managers informed the inspectors of a programme of redecoration which included plans to upgrade patient bedrooms, however when they observed a newly decorated patient room they discovered the ensuite toilet and shower had not been upgraded at the same time.

The estates team told inspectors they were not aware the ensuite had not been upgraded alongside the patient’s room.

The hospital’s redecoration plan was one of two areas of good practice highlighted, with inspectors noting that in areas where revamp work had been completed the quality of the environment was markedly improved.

Patients at the ward told observers they were satisfied with its cleanliness but inspectors detailed several ‘missed opportunities’ for hand hygiene and said it was essential that the care environment was well maintained to ensure effective cleaning.

Inspectors noted that there was good provision of alcohol-based hand rub and fluid resistant masks at the entrance to the hospital, however they added that it was not readily available within the wards due an ‘assessed risk to the patient group’.

As a result of this an alternative measure put in place saw staff required to carry a personal supply of hand washing solution. But HIS say this practice was not consistently applied.

Officials also observed staff practice in some ward areas which did not meet guidance for safely managing sharp objects, an issue which was highlighted in the previous report.

The report states bins were not all labelled appropriately.

One patient laundry facility was found to be in a poor state of repair, with rusty washing machines and dirt and debris in between them.

Storage issues were also identified, with unoccupied patient rooms being used to store items such as hoists and PPE, as well as condemned equipment awaiting uplift.

Staff also disclosed to the inspectors that a shared bathroom was no longer being used for that purpose and staff were using it store their belongings.

In one ward inspectors observed a dormitory bedroom with a patient in it which was also being used to store mattresses, which were piled on a vacant bed.

The observers said the storage hindered cleaning and also presented a potentially unsafe environment for the patient.

In some instances, patient chairs were also observed to be damaged and could not be effectively decontaminated.

The hospital’s storage of linen was observed to be appropriate on the whole, with the exception of a single ward where clean linen was kept on the floor.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde says it has implemented action on the basis of the recommendations and requirements in the report. 

A spokesperson said: “We welcome the report’s recognition of the close and supportive working relationships that exist between ward staff and the infection prevention and control team. 

“And we are pleased that inspectors noted the improvements we have made during our redecoration and renovation work.

“This work is continuing as planned, with a number of areas nearing completion, and our Estate and Facilities team work closely with clinical colleagues to ensure that the needs of patients are our first consideration when such work is being undertaken. 

“The inspectors also noted that linen was mainly well managed in line with the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual and while a requirement was given in the report, that has already been actioned by staff.

“We would like to thank all our staff for everything they do in delivering safe person centred care.”