Bad Hygiene Closes Ward

As reported in Health Insurance News UK, concerns over cleanliness is the top reason why people choose to take out private medical insurance as opposed to relying solely on the NHS. At the end of last month the Regulation Quality Improvement Authority found that the neurological ward at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, fell below appropriate standards of hygiene.

A spokesperson for the RQIA said,

'Our inspection team found that the ward fell short of the required standard of cleanliness. RQIA wrote to the Trust's chief executive asking that he takes immediate steps to improve the situation on this ward.

'The RQIA has now been advised that the Belfast Trust has now closed the ward for refurbishment.

'The Trust has also provided an action plan outlining how it intends to improve hygiene on this ward. The RQIA will be issuing a full report of the findings of the inspection to the Trust shortly, and this will be published later in the year.'

Stories like this decrease the public's confidence in NHS hospital hygiene. Head of Medical and Provider Services at CS Healthcare Joanne Lumb said:

'People are only too aware of the issues of hospital cleanliness and the fear of infections within their local hospitals. Many people turn to private health insurance to gain access to private hospitals safe in the knowledge that good clinical standards and infection control are all part of the service.

'Private health insurance gives the customer the chance to make an informed decision regarding their treatment, including which hospital they are seen at. This choice ensures that they do not have to be seen in a hospital environment that they are unhappy with.'