Care services waste management to be audited

The Herald newspaper reports that following discovery of superbugs in care centres and facilities in Ireland, the HSE is to carry out a multi-million euro audit into nursing homes, 24-hour mental health services and disability facilities.

Official tendering documentation seen by the newspaper highlights what will be expected of the company that takes over the study into environmental factors, hand hygiene, waste handling and disposal and equipment management.

The documents read: “A written report should also be developed by the auditor which will include the area of good practice and should clearly identify areas where action is required.”

The tendering documents call for auditors to pay attention to hand decontamination, body fluid spillage or contamination and proper decontamination of reusable equipment at up to 70 centres.