CLEANING & HYGIENE
Where we have used these, we have received some great feedback.
In addition, we are seeing great strides forward in electronic auditing and efficacy programmes, UVC cleaning equipment and other decontamination solutions as well as innovation around more sustainable cleaning chemicals.
Significant improvements in UVC decontamination have been made recently, especially around the introduction of the systems with a minimum processing unit and satellites allowing more localised decontamination that both speed up the time taken to decontaminate and increase the organism reduction, which supports improved patient flow as pressure on beds remains high. Being able to decontaminate an infected room and releasing the room back for a patient quickly is critical in the bed management process.
As well as innovation in equipment and processes, it is also important to review and update operational practices and the way cleaning teams work. To deliver the services is just as important as requiring and introducing new and innovative equipment. By delivering cleaning productively, we can ensure we operate a value for money service to our clients.
It is also fantastic to see progress in the materials and practices we all use becoming more sustainable. Within Medirest, we are committed to achieving Climate Net Zero by 2030 and are making steps in the right direction with innovations including achieving water savings of 400k litres by implementing imops – this is validated by the Made Blue Foundation. The use of imops has meant using a microfibre cleaning head – so that the cleaning is done by the material itself using capillary action, which makes it 80% more effective at removing microbes. A secondary advantage is that water is only there to create a suction to lift the dirt off the floor. Because it requires less water, it dries incredibly quickly and has led to a decline in cleaning- linked falls.
Plus using Ozone-based cleaning in non-clinical settings, which reduces chemicals use by 40%. This is an important development as the NHS also moves toward more sustainable practices, as they aim for Net Zero by 2040, we use ozonated water to clean in our non-clinical and catering cleaning facilities and the test results show equally good disinfection as when using chlorine disinfection as evidenced in case studies
It is important to consider the end user of all systems and equipment. I would always suggest that any provider trial and test everything with colleagues that use them day to day before rolling out changes. This will ensure it delivers for teams that carry out cleaning on sites. Taking full account of the team’s views when selecting the suppliers and equipment ensures they are invested in the process and guarantees that the equipment works in all of our environments across our estate. That’s why full training is also crucial and we continue to invest in this area.
Having worked within this industry for 45 years, I have seen a lot of progress in this area. The Covid pandemic created a real turning point in highlighting the importance of the work we do to keep cleaning and infection control at the forefront of innovation.
Since then, I have seen great progress and acknowledgement to driving up standards. The pandemic highlighted to the public the importance cleaning plays in supporting infection control and supporting our patients in their journey to recovery. There are many fantastic colleagues in this industry that work tirelessly to continue the momentum, ensuring that investment and collaborative working continues.
www.compass-healthcare.co.uk/sectors/nhs-trusts/ 33
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