INSPECTORS have raised concerns over the cleanliness of a hospital after finding dirty patient equipment and dust on surfaces.
The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) said NHS Highland should take immediate action after it made an unannounced inspection visit to 74-bed Caithness General Hospital in September. The facility, in Wick, offers accident and emergency, palliative care, obstetrics, renal, general surgery and medicine.
Susan Brimelow, HEI chief inspector, said NHS Highland was complying with the majority of standards to protect patients, staff and visitors from the risk of acquiring an infection.
But she added: "We found dirty and contaminated patient equipment in two areas of the hospital."
HEI now requires NHS Highland to ensure an adequate system for the cleaning of patient equipment.
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