The SVS has already taken or is taking action to implement the conclusions and recommendation put forward in the interim audit report as follows:
The Audit Manual used for the period of the report has already been revised and the revised version is currently being used by VMHAs. The Audit Manual will be subject to periodic reviews and revised following practical comments and issues found during the audit process.
Introduce a standardised audit report form.
A standardised audit report form has been introduced and is being used by the VMHAs in reporting their current round of audit visits. This report form, like the Audit Manual, will be subject to periodic reviews. Amendments enabling the reporting of the severity of failures found, to give an indication of their potential risk to public health, are being drafted.
Lead Assessor training for all VMHAs
All VMHAs will have completed the Lead Assessor training course at Chipping Campden by May 1997.
To develop the data collection and analysis methodology to enable a more detailed evaluation of audit reports.
Systems enabling more detailed evaluation of audit reports will be put in place to provide more comprehensive reporting of the 1997/98 audit round.
Recommendation 30.3
The audit team should develop techniques to classify deficiencies in hygiene and to evaluate their importance.
Training to ensure all VMHAs carry out consistent and accurate HAS scoring has been completed. VMHAs have also assisted at MHS HAS training days. Further training needs will be subject to periodic reviews.
