Sustainable decontamination
offering the best value by having awareness to make accurate comparisons between varying product ranges. The journey towards more effective
procurement in NHS decontamination is not without its challenges. This shift demands leadership from decontamination managers, support from Trust boards, and investment in analysing the true costs and benefits of different options. As we navigate the complex landscape
of healthcare decontamination, it’s clear that the true measure of cost efficiency lies not in the initial price tag, but in a product’s overall effectiveness and longevity. By prioritising quality and long-term value, NHS decontamination departments can enhance patient outcomes, contribute to organisational resilience, and support the broader goals of a sustainable, efficient healthcare system. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the success of NHS decontamination services will depend on their ability to balance the competing demands of cost-efficiency, quality, and sustainability. By embracing a more holistic approach to procurement, these departments can play a crucial role in building a more resilient, effective, and sustainable healthcare system for all.
References 1. Sustainable Development Unit. (2022). Reducing the use of natural resources in health and social care. NHS England.
2. NHS England. (2020). Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service. NHS England.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care. NICE guideline [CG139].
4. Guest, J. F., Keating, T., Gould, D., & Wigglesworth, N. (2020). Modelling the annual NHS costs and outcomes attributable to HCAIs in England. BMJ Open, 10(1), e033367.
5. Royal College of Nursing. (2021). The Role of New Technologies in Enhancing Infection Prevention and Control Practices.
6. Department of Health and Social Care. (2021). The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
7. Dancer, S. J. (2020). Controlling hospital- acquired infection: focus on the role of the environment and new technologies for decontamination. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 27(4), 665-690.
CSJ
8. NHS Improvement. (2022). National specifications for cleanliness: Healthcare facilities. NHS England.
About the author
Alison Arnold, is the Commercial Director, of Serchem. Alison started her career in the NHS in 1986, qualifying as an RGN in 1989 and originally worked in trauma and orthopaedics. She went on to work in various nursing roles in both the hospital and the community. Alison joined Serchem in 2003 and is now a proud co-owner of the business.
9. WHO. (2021). Decontamination and Reprocessing of Medical Devices for Health- care Facilities. WHO.
Clean Disinfect Track & trace Store
December 2024 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 59
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
