Unannounced inspections with lay representation
Health Boards should ensure that unannounced inspections of clinical areas are conducted by senior infection prevention and control staff accompanied by lay representation.
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) conducts both announced and unannounced inspections of NHS facilities, including assessment of IPC standards. The HEI function within HIS was established in April 2009 and has conducted at least 30 unannounced inspections annually.
- The Scottish Government's response confirmed the role of HIS in providing independent scrutiny of IPC practice, with lay assessors participating in inspections.
- The recommendation for unannounced inspections by senior IPC staff with lay representation is implemented through the HIS inspection programme.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights the role of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI), established in April 2009, which conducts at least 30 unannounced inspections annually in acute and other healthcare settings. To ensure a patient and public view, members of the public work as volunteers and participate in these inspections. The HEI checks that hospitals meet national standards, guidance, and best practice, which includes infection prevention and control.
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.
HEI conducts unannounced inspections of clinical areas. Over 200 inspections since inception with at least 30 annually. Public partners participate in some inspection activities.
View detailed findings
HEI inspection programme provides external unannounced assessment of IPC compliance. Lay involvement varies by inspection type.