HEI ward closure powers
Scottish Government should ensure that the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has the power to close a ward to new admissions if the HEI concludes that there is a real risk to the safety of patients.
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), established on 1 April 2011 under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, absorbed the functions of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI). HIS has the power to direct a Health Board to close a ward to new admissions where there is a serious risk to the life, health or wellbeing of persons (HIS Operating Framework, Scottish Government).
- HIS conducts both announced and unannounced inspections of healthcare facilities, including assessment of infection prevention and control standards. The Healthcare Improvement Scotland (Inspections) Regulations 2011 provide the statutory basis for these inspection powers.
- The revised Healthcare Associated Infection Standards, published by HIS in February 2015, provide the framework against which HIS assesses compliance, with escalation powers including ward closure available where serious risks are identified.
- This recommendation has been implemented: HIS has the statutory power to close wards to new admissions where patient safety is at risk.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response describes the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) as providing independent and rigorous scrutiny and assurance of NHS Scotland hospitals. The HEI carries out inspections and issues 'requirements' for action to comply with national HAI standards, and also makes 'recommendations'. However, the text does not state that the HEI has the power to close a ward to new admissions, nor does it indicate that this specific recommendation has been implemented.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has had power to close wards to admissions since April 2009. Over 200 inspections conducted since inception, at least 30 annually, mostly unannounced.
View detailed findings
HEI was established in April 2009 with statutory powers under the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978 as amended. It conducts announced and unannounced inspections of healthcare environments. Powers include ability to restrict admissions where patient safety is at risk.
Scottish Government accepted all 75 recommendations. Implementation Group established February 2015, chaired by Chief Nursing Officer. Reference Group established with patient and family representatives to support and challenge implementation.
View detailed findings
The Scottish Government committed to full implementation. Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) already had powers to close wards to admissions since April 2009. Revised HAI Standards published February 2015 by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.