In 2007, the Health Information and Quality Authority (the Authority) undertook the first independent National Hygiene Services Quality Review and published the National report in November 2007. We are now commencing the second National Hygiene Services Quality Review and, with the same approach as last year, will assess compliance against the standards and focus on how hospitals have improved the quality of their hygiene services compared to the standards of their services last year.

The rise of healthcare associated infections is presenting a significant challenge to health systems throughout the world; and Ireland is no different. Actively managing the reduction in HAI, and thereby seeking to minimise and eradicate the harm and trauma they cause for people who use our health and social services, is a duty for all staff working in those services.