This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Sanitation of medical equipment

Posted By cetusqw65

"Sanitation of medical equipment"

About: Peel Health Campus / Emergency Department

(as a carer),

At the hospital recently I suddenly had a concerning thought on watching my spouse's obs being taken. The blood pressure cuff is theirs alone to be used while in hospital and then binned, the thermometer has a plastic sleeve that is binned but my concern is the oxygen reader that goes on the finger. I believe this is taken around the ward to all the rooms and used over and over again so why is it not sanitised between patients? I feel there must be untold germs on these things as I believe none of the patient's hands are sterile. I feel that the use of sterile wipes be introduced in all hospitals to at least wipe the germs from these items.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Margaret Sturdy, Director Medical Services, Peel Health Campus, Ramsay Healthcare 4 years ago
Margaret Sturdy
Director Medical Services, Peel Health Campus,
Ramsay Healthcare

Submitted on 30/01/2020 at 9:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 31/01/2020 at 9:56 AM

picture of Margaret Sturdy

Dear cetusqw65

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback through the Patient Opinion website.

The maintenance of a clean clinical environment is incredibly important, as you have so rightly identified. We have moved over to many single patient items such as disposable blood pressure cuffs, which remain with the patient during their hospital stay and then discarded. The probe for the oxygen reader (or pulse oximeter) is an expensive and delicate piece of equipment and we have not yet sourced a suitably disposable alternative. As such it would be our expectation that this probe is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe in between patients. I am sorry that this has not occurred.

In order for us to better direct our staff training in general infection prevention processes and in the specific example you have given us, I would be most grateful if you could contact me to discuss your specific experience. I can be reached on 9531 8580 (office hours) or by email sturdy@ramsayhealth.com.au.

I thank you again for taking the time to raise this issue.

Yours sincerely

Dr Margaret Sturdy

Director of Medical Services

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k