Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has said it is making "significant strides" to improve its hygiene standards following a finding that it was one of the dirtiest hospitals in the State last November.
The first National Hygiene Audit for hospitals found 91 per cent of Irish hospitals were failing to meet acceptable hygiene standards. Just five of 54 hospitals audited met the required standard.
Waterford Regional Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St Columcille's, Loughlinstown, were found to be the dirtiest.
In a statement, Beaumont Hospital chief executive Liam Duffy said the audit was "a clear wake-up call".
"We had already been aware of deficiencies in this area as a result of our own internal audits and we had an action plan in place. The national audit made it clear, however, that we needed an even greater sense of urgency," Mr Duffy said.
A steering group was established last November to prepare and implement the Beaumont Hospital Hygiene Action Plan. The group's aim is to ensure that national best practice and the highest standards are applied.
Staff and members of the public took part in a hand-hygiene awareness campaign last October, and special hand gels have been introduced to a number of wards. From the end of this month, hygienic hand wipes will be provided with all meal trays, Mr Duffy said.
With committed teamwork we have achieved significant progress in just a few months. I am confident that, while much of our effort is still work in progress, the next national audit will show we have made a very good start."