Flemish hospitals score high on care and patient comfort

The latest round of inspections concentrated on internal medicine, including emergency departments and intensive care. In 2013, hand hygiene was insufficient in 9% of cases; by 2015 that number had dropped to 5%. It represents significant progress, the inspectors conclude, but work still remains to be done. Progress was also noted in the information contained in identity bracelets worn by patients, preventive maintenance of medical apparatus and the way patient case files were kept up to date.

Work was still required, inspectors said, in areas such as medication plans and information to patients. In 29 areas, inspectors awarded a red light, meaning the situation presents a substantial risk to patients. Two red lights were awarded in intensive care situations, where an ICU doctor was not available within 15 minutes.

In 28 of the 29 cases, the problem was resolved by the time of an unannounced follow-up visit. In the remaining case, the problem of the lack of a permanent nursing presence in the emergency department was still present.

Photo: Ingimage