Budleigh Salterton hospital

From: Ian blenkharn@ianblenkharn.com
Category: Miscellaneous
Date: 24 Okt 2009
Time: 13:42:24 +0200
Remote Name: 86.138.129.234

Comments

"BUDLEIGH Salterton hospital is to close for up to four weeks while deep cleaning and essential maintenance is carried out.

"The move is part of a rolling programme developed by NHS Devon to fight infections and improve conditions for patients.

"The NHS said the planned work will:

• Meet national standards for better health - including prevention of hospital-acquired infections, safe use of medical devices and handling of clinical waste.
• Replace the floor in the main corridor and nurses' station, which has become damaged through wear.
• Allow the upgrade of buildings, facilities and equipment.
• Improve facilities to enhance privacy and dignity of patients.

The NHS estate costs a vast amount of money, and unfortunately there has been much neglect or core services such as waste management. If the facilities to be renewed now are intended to enable this hospital to achieve a required standard then it is reasonable to assume that for some time before it has been deficient.

Of course, there isn't a bottomless pit of money, but we are now seeing the impact of the neglect that has been the norm for 20+ years. No doubt Budleigh Salterton Hospital will soon be up to the required standard, though many more are managing with woefully inadequate provision for safe and effective waste management.

The periodic standards review of clinical waste management in UK hospitals will be run in the New Year - the results will once again be informative, though perhaps not entirely reassuring!

Last changed: 09/21/10