The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) was set up in April 2009. Its focus is to reduce healthcare associated infection risk to hospital patients. HEI inspectors do this by carrying out announced and unannounced inspections in acute NHS hospitals in Scotland to check that the NHS QIS standards for prevention and control of healthcare associated infection are being met.
HEI inspect every acute hospital in Scotland at least once every three years and more often if needed. They report their findings publically on their website and follow up the action NHS boards have taken to make improvements after an inspection.
HSE Scotland has carried out management systems inspections assessing Health Boards’ arrangements for managing infection risk to employees and patients. HSE has also been involved in investigating patient deaths due to healthcare associated infection where there have been perceived links with management of health and safety.
HSE is now working closely with HEI colleagues to gain a better understanding of the remit of each other’s organisations and to establish effective liaison arrangements. In time, we hope to develop guidance for HSE and HEI inspectors on working arrangements between the two organisations, including the clarification of roles and responsibilities, the aim being to maximise the impact of our joint efforts to combat healthcare associated infection.
