Half of all ambulances in Northern Ireland had issues of 'unsatisfactory hygiene' including blood-splattered equipment

The Department of Health has accepted a recommendation to implement a 'special measure' to address concerns about cleanliness and hygiene within the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust (NIAS).

In February, 21 stations throughout Northern Ireland were visited by inspectors from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

Some were found to be in good condition, however, others were inadequate in the areas of infection prevention, hygiene and cleanliness.

Two earlier unannounced inspections in July 2017 at Broadway in Belfast and Bangor ambulance station found dirty ambulances and blood-splattered equipment.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health Councillor Patricia Logue expressed concern at the RQIA's finding that 50% of ambulance stations had issues with unsatisfactory hygiene.

Cllr Logue said:"An ambulance is a clinical environment so it is important the highest standard of hygiene and cleanliness is maintained.

"The fact that half of ambulances inspected by the RQIA weren't of a satisfactory hygiene standard is therefore deeply concerning.”

Patricia Logue also endorsed the RQIA recommendation that a senior clinician be put in place to drive internal infection prevention in the Ambulance Service. The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:

"Ambulance Service staff provide a high standard of emergency care to the community on a daily basis, often in very challenging situations and despite considerable workforce pressures.

"Staff must be supported by Ambulance Service management to improve hygiene and cleanliness.

"The addition of a senior clinician to assist the Ambulance Service to achieve this would be a positive step forward.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has said they are 'committed to take all necessary steps to ensure our stations and vehicles meet the high standards required to protect the patients who use our services'.