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211 NMH | 2024 211 Support Services General Services to our facilities, processes, and training programs across many departments. The Department also liaised closely with the members of the House Committee, who regularly conduct independent and unannounced reviews of the hospital's hygiene activities. Many thanks are extended to the members of this Committee for their time and valuable contributions. Uniquely among non-clinical departments, HIQA include the training compliance of Hygiene Services within their inspection criteria because of the role we play in maintaining the hospital's safety and quality standards. Many of our training programs were moved online during the year, providing easier access and consistency of delivery and as a result, compliance remained high in 2024. Over the course of the year, we welcomed Ms Rodica Mascautanu to the team, and wished Ms Elizabeth Watson a wonderful retirement after many years of service. Hygiene Services The Hygiene Services Department is responsible for the environmental cleanliness of all patient, visitor and staff areas of the Hospital, and contributes to the cleaning of patient-use equipment. We draw upon international best practices for our operating procedures and cleaning methods, and pair these with the latest cleaning technologies. Over the past year, the Department contributed to the hospital's quality improvement initiatives through its participation in Quality and Safety 'Walk-Arounds', its involvement in both the Hygiene and the Infection Control Committees, and through its management of the Hospital's multi- disciplinary hygiene audits. These audits measured the compliance of the Hospital's clinical and non-clinical hygiene activities against the infection control requirements of the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre, and identified opportunities for improvement We also congratulated Mr Calin Buie and Ms Luminita Bocut on their successful transfers to other hospital departments. The Department's unprecedented staffing shortages in 2024 resulted in unavoidable challenges, but these were overcome through the incredible efforts and dedication of the Hygiene Services staff, as they continued to maintain exceptional service levels for our patients and colleagues throughout the year. Mark Anderson, Hygiene Services Manager. Portering Services The Portering Services Department provides an essential frontline service throughout The National Maternity Hospital including dedicated services to the Labour and Birthing Unit, Theatre, Laboratories, Laundry, Front Hall and Stores. These services can be categorized into patient- centred services and facilities-based services, both of which are provided on Nicholas Gailland, Portering Services.

