HEI is a key component of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, a public body that provides evidence, improvement support and scrutiny to help improve the quality of healthcare provided by the NHS and independent healthcare providers in Scotland.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI), which is part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, today (Wednesday) published its report relating to an announced inspection visit to Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre on 27-28 January 2016.

HEI has been set up to help reduce healthcare associated infection risk to patients through a rigorous inspection framework. The HEI inspection team examined NHS Forth Valley’s self-assessment information and then inspected the hospital to validate this information, meet patients and staff, and visit wards and departments to assess how clean the hospital was and if it was meeting national standards.

Inspectors made no requirements or recommendations following this inspection.

The full HEI inspection report is available to view here.

Speaking of the report, Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “This was a good inspection which resulted in us making no requirements or recommendations. All staff we spoke with during this announced inspection demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infection. We also saw evidence of a strong commitment to training staff to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infection. For example, hand hygiene trainers on each ward provide practical demonstrations for staff and training in hand washing technique.  We will continue to monitor Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre to ensure it continues to maintain these standards. ”

Professor Angela Wallace, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Nursing, said: “We welcome the results of the recent HEI inspection at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre and are pleased that the inspection did not identify any requirements or recommendations as a result of the visit.

“The report reflects the hard work carried out by local staff to maintain a safe, clean and pleasant environment for patients, staff and visitors. Feedback from patients interviewed during the inspection was also very positive with many commenting on the high standards of cleanliness across the healthcare centre.

“Whilst we welcome this report, we recognise there is no room for complacency and work will continue to ensure we maintain consistently high standards in all hospitals across Forth Valley.”