HIQA has raised concerns about standards of cleanliness at the region's maternity hospital.
An unannounced inspection of University Maternity Hospital, Limerick found dust on frequently used patient equipment as well as deficits in the number of cleaning staff.
The Maternity Hospital serves the population of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, and in 2012 there were 4,900 births there.
On November 5th last, HIQA insepctors arrived at the Ennis Road site for an unannounced inspection of the M3 Ward ante-natal unit, as well as the hospital's Neonatal Unit.
There, light dust was observed on several pieces of equipment while in the M3 Ward more dust was found on "many items" of frequently used patient equipment, including an intravenous stand and pump, and parts of a resuscitation trolley, defibrillator and wheelchair.
Several temperature probes was found to be unclean, as were four monitoring machines.
HIQA were informed of a shortage in the number of cleaning staff, though a recruitment process to address this was nearing completion.
HIQA has also published reports into Croom and St. John's Hospitals in Limerick today.
At Croom, concern was expressed about a lack of action in light of previously identified issues related to the prevention of Legionella while a low level of hand hygiene compliance was uncovered at St. John's Hospital, including a lack of availability of alcohol hand rub at points of care.
