The main hospital in Angus has been told to tighten up its disposal of needles and syringes.
Better disposal of sharps was among required improvements for Stracathro Hospital near Brechin. The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) has published its report relating to an unannounced inspection.
Alastair McGown’s inspection team visited on April 17 and saw “good compliance” in most areas.
Their report adds: “Overall, sharps bins were correctly assembled and labelled.
“However, we found incidences of non-compliance with sharps management, where temporary closure mechanisms on the sharps bins were not being consistently used by staff (Mulberry Unit and Willow Unit).
“These units relate to general and geriatric psychiatry.
“Temporary closure mechanisms are designed to protect both staff and patients from the risks associated with the disposal of sharps,” it adds.
The requirement is that NHS Tayside must ensure the sharps management policy, in relation to the correct use of temporary closure mechanisms, is followed by all staff and compliance is monitored.
A policy for therapy dog visits will also be required.
HEI chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: “The wards we inspected were clean and well maintained, and there was good compliance with the uniform and dress code policy.
“We also identified areas for improvement, however, including that staff must follow the management policy on sharps including syringes and needles.
“We expect NHS Tayside to address the areas for improvement we have identified as a matter of priority.”
The hospital has approximately 112 beds and provides services including outpatients, rehabilitation and geriatric assessment.