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DORSET County Hospital has been praised for its care of patients.
But a Healthcare Commission survey out today found staff do not always wash their hands between patients.
Inpatients were questioned about many aspects of their care last year.
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Results show Dorset County Hospital is among the top 20 per cent of English trusts for good care, choice of admission dates, choice and quality of hospital food and confidence and trust in nurses.
But it fell within the bottom 20 per cent of trusts for provision of single sex washing areas and staff hand cleaning.
Inpatients said they did not always see doctors and nurses cleaning their hands between patients.
Hospital chief executive
Jan Bergman said results showed the trust was improving. He said: "We are proud to be among the best hospitals in the country for many aspects of the patient survey, which reflects how dedicated staff are to ensuring patients receive the best care possible.
"Our overall ratings in the survey have significantly improved on the previous year."
He added: "We knew that patients had concerns about sharing bathroom and shower areas and since last October we have made major improvements to facilities on our wards.
"Obviously this work will not have been reflected in this survey as it was carried out last summer.
"Infection prevention and control is a significant priority for us and we have undertaken a series of key actions which have significantly improved standards.
"We are an ambitious hospital. My staff have the drive to continue with these improvements and I know they will not be satisfied until Dorset County Hospital receives the best feedback from our patients compared with all other hospitals in England."
The survey was done using questionnaire feedback from 76,000 adult inpatients at 165 hospital trusts in England.
Chief executive of the Healthcare Commission Anna Walker said: "There are striking variations in performance in key areas such as providing single-sex accommodation and giving people help when they need it.
"Those performing poorly must learn from those who perform well."
Posted by: anneofportland, Portland on 3:15pm Thu 15 May 08
When my brother was in Dorset County last year we realised the nurses were overworked and couldnt manage to do all they needed to do. The doctors strolled around and the army of accountants and clerks somewhere seemed to be running the show. The biggest problem were the visitors. One day a man came in with mud and dung all over his boots. You could see his footprint where he had been. There should be disinfectant baths for footwear like they used against foot and mouth.
When my brother was in Dorset County last year we realised the nurses were overworked and couldnt manage to do all they needed to do. The doctors strolled around and the army of accountants and clerks somewhere seemed to be running the show. The biggest problem were the visitors. One day a man came in with mud and dung all over his boots. You could see his footprint where he had been. There should be disinfectant baths for footwear like they used against foot and mouth.
Posted by: anneofportland, Portland on 3:15pm Thu 15 May 08
When my brother was in Dorset County last year we realised the nurses were overworked and couldnt manage to do all they needed to do. The doctors strolled around and the army of accountants and clerks somewhere seemed to be running the show. The biggest problem were the visitors. One day a man came in with mud and dung all over his boots. You could see his footprint where he had been. There should be disinfectant baths for footwear like they used against foot and mouth.
When my brother was in Dorset County last year we realised the nurses were overworked and couldnt manage to do all they needed to do. The doctors strolled around and the army of accountants and clerks somewhere seemed to be running the show. The biggest problem were the visitors. One day a man came in with mud and dung all over his boots. You could see his footprint where he had been. There should be disinfectant baths for footwear like they used against foot and mouth.
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