The watchdog: From nurse to chief enforcer

Susan Brimelow started work as a nurse in 1975 and always worried about standards of cleanliness in hospitals.

Her fears were often ignored, but now, as chief inspector of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI), she makes sure concerns about infection control and cleaning do not go unheeded.

In 1985, Ms Brimelow became a clinical nurse manager at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and several promotions followed, which saw her work in Falkirk, at the Scottish Office, and in Glasgow. She joined the HEI in 2009.

Each of its hospital inspections is led by an experienced official, working with a small team which includes a volunteer member of the public to make sure patients are represented.

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