Bathing in hospital

Determinants of hygiene practices among mothers seeking delivery services from healthcare facilities in the Kampala metropolitan area, Uganda

Our study aimed at assessing the determinants of hand hygiene and utilisation of bathing facilities in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in the greater Kampala metropolitan area, Uganda. Results indicate that 19.9% of the respondents wished to wash hands and failed while 39.3% faced challenges related to bathing. Failure to wash hands was associated with received information on hand washing (APR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24), using piped water (APR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.78-0.98) or a well as the main water source at the HCF (APR = 1.21,95% CI: 1.03-1.42). Experiencing challenges of bathing was associated with accessing healthcare services at a hospital (APR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97) and using public HCF (APR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.120). There is urgent need to improve hand hygiene and bathing facilities though providing reliable water and soap.

Hospital Bathrooms and Showers: A Continuing Saga of Inadequacy

Previous surveys of UK hospitals have highlighted many deficiencies in the standards of hospital inpatient washing and bathing facilities--especially inadequate access for wheelchair users, insufficient bathing equipment, and unsatisfactory cleanliness and privacy. We conducted a qualitative survey in three hospitals in the North of England to see whether these facilities have improved. There have been some improvements, particularly in the provision of bath hoists, adapted taps, alarm call systems, shower seats and wheelchair access to bathrooms. But many basic problems remain-absent locks and signs, inadequate heating, poor standards of privacy, insufficient bath aids, wet floors, and the inappropriate use of bathrooms as store rooms. The overall condition of hospital bathrooms and showers remains unsatisfactory. Too many hospital bathrooms are austere, cold, smelly and poorly maintained.

Hospital bathrooms and showers: a continuing saga of inadequacy

Previous surveys of UK hospitals have highlighted many deficiencies in the standards of hospital inpatient washing and bathing facilities--especially inadequate access for wheelchair users, insufficient bathing equipment, and unsatisfactory cleanliness and privacy. We conducted a qualitative survey in three hospitals in the North of England to see whether these facilities have improved. There have been some improvements, particularly in the provision of bath hoists, adapted taps, alarm call systems, shower seats and wheelchair access to bathrooms. But many basic problems remain-absent locks and signs, inadequate heating, poor standards of privacy, insufficient bath aids, wet floors, and the inappropriate use of bathrooms as store rooms. The overall condition of hospital bathrooms and showers remains unsatisfactory. Too many hospital bathrooms are austere, cold, smelly and poorly maintained.

A survey of hospital toilet facilities

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of toilet facilities available for disabled people in a large provincial teaching hospital.

DESIGN

Survey of toilet facilities for patients on the wards and in the outpatient department.

SETTING

Teaching hospital in Leeds.

RESULTS

Although the quality of toilet facilities varied, none met the standards recommended by the British Standards Institution. The worst facilities were found on a ward accommodating elderly patients, where the toilets were unsuitable for use by disabled people and bedside commodes had to be used instead.

CONCLUSION

Toilet provision within a major hospital failed to meet standards required for disabled people. Admission to hospital may therefore result in loss of independence and dignity. If hospitals are to be centres of excellence, greater consideration must be given to the requirements of disabled people in the design of new wards, and current inadequate facilities should be upgraded.