The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report following an unannounced focused inspection of the acute services at Royal Berkshire Hospital, provided by Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
An unannounced focused inspection took place in April to look at infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in place, as data showed the trust had experienced an increase in hospital acquired healthcare infections such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and bacteraemia.
As the service was not rated during the inspection, the previous ratings of good overall, for both the trust and the hospital, remain.
Inspectors found that the trust leaders understood and managed the priorities and issues surrounding infection prevention and control (IPC) and controlled infection risk well. Staff used equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection and managed clinical waste well. There was a multi-disciplinary approach to managing infection control risks, which included the sepsis team, IPC team, and microbiologists.
The design, maintenance and use of facilities, premises and equipment kept people safe. There was good social distancing between beds in the wards and in public areas, and temporary doors had been erected to maintain a safe environment.
The leaders in the service were highly visible and approachable for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills and knowledge of IPC measures and to apply them in practice. Leaders and staff actively engaged with patients, staff, and the public, as well as local and partner organisations, to plan and manage infection control practices.
Despite the changing nature of COVID-19, the inspection team felt assured that systems and practices were sufficient to manage and adapt to ongoing and future challenges. They were also assured by the audits that were carried out, and felt that governance was strong enough to provide the oversight needed to identify risks and manage any challenges and issues moving forwards.
Staff told us there was a caring and supportive culture and the executive team was visible and fully engaged. Staff well-being strategies had been developed and continued throughout the pandemic.
Inspectors did have some concerns, however. Some staff in the accident and emergency department said that they did not always feel supported, as they felt the IPC team did not answer their questions. In addition, there were inconsistencies in the management of personal protective equipment and availability of hand gels for visitors on the wards.
Full details of the inspection are given in the report published on our website.
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