Cleaning to prevent contagion in healthcare settings

Kay Timms, the UK Service Delivery Manager heading up In Depth’s healthcare division, looks at the importance of using specialised staff and equipment to comply with NHS guidelines.

The standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the healthcare sector is under relentless scrutiny. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are estimated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to occur in nearly 4.1 million patients, and kill nearly 37,000 people in the EU annually.*

Common human pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and noroviruses can survive for prolonged periods on hospital surfaces. The majority of these infections are preventable, particularly through keeping the environment clean and using well-designed infection control methods.

Controlling the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is a priority for any healthcare provider, and keeping the environment clean is an essential weapon in the fight to minimise the risk of cross infection.

Microorganisms that could cause disease are known to survive on inanimate ‘touch’ surfaces for extended periods of time. For example – bedrails, over-the-bed trays, call buttons and bathroom hardware – making it essential for this type of environment to be cleaned by specialist staff who are trained to comply with NHS guidelines on cleaning in healthcare environments.

The Revised Healthcare Cleaning Manual (2009) is aimed at providing guidance on cleaning techniques and best practice advice on defining responsibilities, scheduling work, measuring outcomes, reporting and driving improvements. The regulations are supported by the Code of Practice for the NHS on the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections and Related Guidance. Hospitals and healthcare environments need to demonstrate that they provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment that facilitates the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections.

Cleaning operatives need to be trained to the highest level to meet the daily challenge of infection prevention and control whilst allowing health professionals to focus on delivering excellent patient care.

The frequency, method and monitoring of cleaning must take into account the level of potential risk to patient safety posed by infections. Very high-risk areas, such as operating theatres and intensive care units, require an enhanced cleaning service, with specialist equipment and chemicals, operated by a dedicated team.

To prevent cross-contamination, disposable products, including gloves, aprons and mop heads, are recommended in isolation units. There is now a national colour-coding system in place for the NHS for hospital cleaning materials and equipment. This should be followed at all times by cleaners and is aimed at ensuring that these items are not used in multiple areas, therefore reducing the risk of cross-infection.

Responsible contract cleaning providers who offer services in these types of environment, need to have an excellent knowledge of the regulations and train staff to comply within these guidelines, which will also form the basis of any infection control policies drawn up by the individual clinic or hospital.

We’ve noticed an increase in demand for reliable, expert cleaners in this environment. Having built up considerable expertise in this area over a number of years, we have now launched a dedicated healthcare cleaning division focusing on hospitals, dialysis centres, nursing and care homes, and dental surgeries.

When Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre, a new £10 million state of the art health facility, opened in November 2007, In Depth Managed Services was awarded the cleaning and maintenance contract.

This purpose-built premises, located in Crewe, was developed in line with government policy for large scale, modern primary care centres. Three small town centre practices were relocated into this facility to accommodate the 36,000 patients of 22 GPs. It also created the opportunity to improve patient care and broaden services for a further 400,000 local residents to include dentistry, physiotherapy, ultra-sound and X-rays, speech therapy and podiatry, which were previously only available in the local hospital.

The centre, named after four cast iron eagles which adorn a local railway bridge, is run by 150 staff and is an essential component to the town’s regeneration strategy.

As part of this contract, awarded by Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, In Depth designs, manages and delivers a range of cleaning and infection prevention services. A team of cleaning and maintenance operatives keep the facility spotless and in full working order, using the latest management systems, technology, tools and materials.

Measurable results

In Depth works in partnership with Eagle Bridge to train and up-skill both workforces, which guarantees excellent standards of hygiene are maintained.

Three quality audits are carried out per month, and the contract won ‘Best in Health Category’ at the National Loo of the Year Awards 2008 for the highest possible cleanliness and hygiene standards in public facilities.

For further information please call 0845 6052251 or visit www.indepth-cleaning.co.uk 

* European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, focus on healthcare-associated infections, annual epidemiological report, 2008

Published in Cleaning & Maintenance – October 2013