Hospitals need 'culture change'

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A health watchdog has called for a "culture change" at local hospitals after inspectors found evidence of poor hygiene at five hospitals.

They were the Altnagelvin, Causeway, Downe, Craigavon and the City hospitals.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority said its inspectors observed dirty commodes, decrepit buildings, and staff not washing their hands.

But it also said it had found were elements of good practice.

The RQIA said basic hygiene and housekeeping must become an integral part of daily work in hospitals.