Lessons from a Heatwave Inspection

That inspector...

Even though you are expecting them to come, when they appear it still gets the heart racing.

After eight years, an inspector turned up on one of the hottest days of the recent heatwave. We were caught out as we were ill prepared as fire doors were shrinking in the heat so not closing properly in spite of being checked only weeks ago. Medications were too hot in the rooms in spite of our best efforts with ice and cooling arrangements. This resulted in air conditioning being mentioned and costs started to spiral through my head. A conversation regarding our counterparts working in hospital and collapsing due to the heat on the wards (where trolleys of medications were present) flashed through my mind and the obvious injustice of the circumstances.

So, look to your business contingency plan and make it robust as we must be prepared for all eventualities, including being ready on the hottest day of the year. Meanwhile, the residents were having a wonderful time singing and dancing in the lounge. I wonder, did she notice that?

Margot Whittaker

Southern Healthcare Director

DCHC Director