Ottery Hospital undergoes 'deep clean'

OTTERY Hospital closed its doors to inpatients last Monday to undergo an essential deep cleaning process- developed to fight off the risk of infections.

OTTERY Hospital closed its doors to inpatients last Monday to undergo an "essential" deep cleaning process- developed to fight off the risk of infections.

The Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) programme will see the hospital's intake of patients stop until March 30 so work can be carried out, however, the site's minor injury unit, day services and specialist clinics will continue as normal.

A PCT spokesman said some maintenance and improvement works will be carried out alongside the deep clean process which is being implemented in addition to the normal cleaning procedures.

The spokesman added the programme is seen as "best practice" and will create opportunities for staff to undergo further training or be temporarily deployed to support patients in other settings where they can develop skills and gain experience in other areas.

Pat McDonagh, assistant director of business support, said: "The deep clean programme will make it easier for our maintenance and cleaning staff to carry out their routine work and this will improve patient experience.