The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) – part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland – today (Monday) published its report relating to an announced inspection visit to Falkirk Community Hospital on Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May 2014.

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, Susan Brimelow, HEI Chief Inspector, said “This was an exemplary inspection and I am delighted with the findings. This was our first visit to Falkirk Community Hospital and is the first inspection, out-with a follow-up, to result in no requirements or recommendations. During our visit, we identified a number of areas where NHS Forth Valley is performing at a high standard. We found a comprehensive and effective range of infection control audit systems in place, helping to minimise the risk of infection to patients, visitors and staff.

“Staff compliance with hand hygiene was excellent, and patients highly commended the standard of cleanliness within the hospital. Senior charge nurses and ward staff were knowledgeable and confident when describing their roles and responsibilities for infection prevention and control, and all wards inspected were clean and well maintained. The high standards found during this inspection must be maintained and are an example of the healthcare associated infection standards every patient in every hospital has the right to expect.”

Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said: “I am very pleased with the results of the recent HEI inspection at Falkirk Community Hospital and delighted that this is the first time in Scotland that HEI has made an initial announced inspection which has resulted in no requirements and no recommendations.

“The report reflects the hard work carried out by staff over the last year to improve the inpatient wards and create a safe, clean and pleasant environment for patients, staff and visitors. Feedback from patients interviewed during the inspection was also very positive with many highlighting the rigorous approach to cleaning and complimenting staff on their professional and courteous approach.

“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 of hospitals across Forth Valley.”