A preliminary evaluation of the air filtering system in use at a hospital in Malta

Abstract

There is no evidence that any other studies have been carried out to assess the perception of staff on indoor air quality and review of hospital ventilation systems in Malta. In general concentrations in indoor air often exceed those of outdoor air, and indoor air is often polluted by numerous sources in hospital indoor spaces, which amongst others include volatile organic chemicals. This study demonstrates the important role played in the selection and maintenance of ventilation systems in hospitals and the impact on individual quality of life, health, hospital inpatient environment and recovery. A cross section of hospital staff and the hospital engineer provided an 80.6% response rate to questionnaires directed at identifying the ventilation system currently in use and staff perception of indoor air quality. In spite of the existing hospital ventilation system and assurance that full fresh air systems are in use, respondents (75%) expressed dissatisfaction with indoor air quality: the greater number reporting 'lack of fresh air', nuisance odours, respiratory problems and allergic reactions. An investment of the hospital's engineer's time to obtain feedback from staff working in different hospital zones would through improved collaboration and communication define both monitoring and maintenance strategies for improved air quality control and most importantly patients safety and staff satisfaction. This preliminary study indicates the need for more detailed investigations of air quality in some parts of the hospital environment with cross discipline cooperation. Research into the cause of differences between respondents on their perception of air quality standards would be valuable.