HIQA raises patient safety concerns at Wexford General Hospital surge ward

HIQA has raised serious concerns about the operation of a surge ward at Wexford General Hospital, including its management, staffing, infection control and physical layout.

In a newly published inspection report, the health watchdog said it identified high risks on Surge 1 which had the potential to present a serious risk to the health and welfare of patients.

Inspectors highlighted inadequate space and facilities on the ward, including beds positioned in a way that blocked access to hand-hygiene sinks.

Concerns were also raised about toilet and shower facilities for patients requiring infection-control precautions.

HIQA found there were no environmental, infection-control, medication-safety, deteriorating-patient or transitions-of-care audits taking place on Surge 1 at the time of the inspection.

It also found that an infection prevention and control risk assessment had not been completed to identify what measures were needed to manage the risks.

Three additional trolley spaces were located in a room known as "Office 1", which had previously been used as an office. One of the trolleys was occupied on the day of inspection.

The room did not have access to call bells, piped oxygen or suction, although a portable oxygen cylinder was available.

Inspectors also raised concerns about staffing arrangements on Surge 1. No permanent nursing staff had been put in place for two additional beds regularly in use and three trolley spaces, with agency staff sought when required.

Security was another issue identified, with a door on the ward being used by people accessing outpatient services, while some healthcare records were being stored unsecured on the ward corridor.

HIQA wrote to hospital management following the inspection seeking assurances on the risks identified and details of how they would be addressed.