Whipps Cross Hospital Essay Example

Cross Hospital adheres to health and safety guidelines that outline instructions for various types of businesses. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a particular focus on manufacturing, construction, and industrial companies. By complying with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Whipps Cross Hospital strives to maintain exceptional workplace health and safety standards throughout the UK.

Employers have the responsibility to guarantee their employees' well-being and safety by providing them with information and training. Whipps Cross Hospital's trainee manager is responsible for delivering pre-job training on hospital guidelines, hazards, and precautions to new hires. These managers undergo 2-year general and specialist training programs to prepare them for this crucial role. Additionally, they need specialized training before becoming trainers themselves.

In order to maintain workplace safety, the trainee manager provides instructions on employee training that involve recognizing and avoiding potential job hazards. The process of assessing risks is presented in a clear manner that includes control methods and individuals who are responsible. Health and safety representatives are consulted and work together to establish necessary measures like equipment, clothing, facilities, insurance coverage, as well as appropriate training. Moreover, it is mandatory for all pathology department workers at Whipps Cross Hospital to wear protective gear such as lab coats, masks, and goggles before entering the laboratory.

Employers must prioritize workplace safety and maintain current safety signage. The hospital and pathology department both display a range of health and safety signs, such as no entry, quiet zones, announcements, and high security. On the left is an illustration from the pathology department featuring a Biological Hazard symbol and a no entry sign that restricts access to

authorized personnel only.

Biological hazards are substances that have the ability to harm living organisms, specifically humans. This includes medical waste and microorganisms, viruses, or toxins that can impact human health. The term is used to describe biological materials that pose a significant risk to health, such as viral samples and used needles. Employers must provide appropriate washing facilities, drinking water, and toilets for employees during training.

Ensuring patient safety is crucial in the pathology department and maintaining cleanliness is a priority for all employees. Caution must be exercised by workers as this area deals with different substances. Non-compliance with health and safety regulations, such as not washing hands before and after handling chemicals, is unacceptable. Whipps Cross Hospital has specific health and safety obstacles to overcome due to the nature of its services.

The health and safety concerns differ between restaurants and hospitals. At Whipps Cross Hospital, the pathology department's Biomedical Scientists conduct tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples, requiring strict cleanliness procedures to follow health and safety laws. Adhering to strict hygiene protocols is essential for all Whipps Cross Hospital staff to avoid compromising patient health. Occupational hazards are also present for hospital workers due to the diverse range of roles required in healthcare facilities.

Both employers and the Workplace Health and Safety Committee share the responsibility of creating a written health and safety plan that addresses potential hazards, illness prevention, and injury prevention. It is crucial for workers to recognize which hazards affect them and take necessary measures to address them. Whipps Cross conducts its own risk assessments to determine if electronic devices, such as mobile phones, could endanger patient safety or disrupt sensitive medical

equipment in critical care settings. The Department of Health issued updated guidance regarding the use of mobile phones in NHS hospitals in January 2009 to reflect changing patient preferences and increased usage.

Whipps Cross Hospital prohibits the use of mobile phones in specific departments, including radiology. This is to prevent interference with equipment used for X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasound. Additionally, mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation known as radiofrequency energy that may cause distractions. Patient safety is the priority. It should be noted that while ionizing radiation is used in X-rays and CT scans, cell phones do not emit it. A risk assessment example for the phlebotomy department at Whipps Cross Hospital follows.

The risks linked to blood tests and the people who could be impacted negatively are showcased in this risk assessment.