5 May 2004
Survey finds NHS bathrooms are unclean and 'inadequate'
Previous surveys of UK hospitals have highlighted the low standards of inpatient bathrooms, including inadequate access for wheelchair users, lack of bathing equipment and ‘unsatisfactory cleanliness and privacy.’ In the May issue of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Dr Andy Monro and colleagues at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds investigates what improvements have been made and suggests ways to raise NHS bathroom standards across the UK.
Comparing previous results
The purpose of Dr Monro’s qualitative survey was to
determine how much the situation has changed since a similar
survey carried out more than 20 years ago. 72%
of patients included in the survey need assistance with washing
and bathing, making accessibility for the disabled a main
priority. This study found that improvements had been made
in this area, including:
- alarm call systems are fitted in all facilities
- use of hoists and showers ‘almost universal’
- many taps ‘easy to use’
Continuing problems
Many of the same problems were found as when the previous surveys were carried
out. These include:
- ‘concerns about cleanliness and lack of privacy’
- ‘unpleasant smells,’ often with the scent of urine
- missing locks
- no heating
- wet floors
- obstructive clutter
- delayed repair of broken equipment
- poor signage
Although this survey included 46 wards in three hospitals in the North of England, the authors have reason to believe these standards can be found across the UK. The article claims, ‘We suspect that the inadequate state of hospital bathing facilities is a widespread phenomenon.’
Recommendations
for improvement
The survey found ‘little evidence of improvement’ after
suggestions for action were made following a King’s
Fund patient survey in 1966 and a Department of Health survey
in 1998. The author makes a number of recommendations, including:
- access to showers, mirrors and taps should be improved for disabled use
- ameliorate the décor, privacy and cleanliness to allow the process of washing and bathing more ‘pleasurable and dignified for all involved’
- create guidelines for bathrooms for disabled people and make these standards a ‘key factor in government star ratings of hospitals’
- designate a member of staff to ‘act as a patient advocate’
Overall, Dr Monro writes, ‘the aim should be to provide bathing facilities that we would be happy to use ourselves.’
Read the full article [PDF 49k]
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