Cleanliness in hospitals and other medical facilities is critical due to the fact that the spread of germs and infection can seriously endanger individuals who are already at risk. Nosocomial infection is the name given to hospital-acquired infections (HIAs) which are unrelated to the original illness being treated. According to recent statistics, an estimated 200,000 HIAs occur each year across Australia with the consequences sometimes fatal. At Cleaning Edge Solutions, we are certified and highly experienced in cleaning medical centres and hospitals throughout Melbourne. We understand that maintaining cleanliness levels to the highest standards is important not only to adhere to legislation, but to reduce the spread of illness and infection, helping to save lives.

Ensuring a Clean Hospital Environment

Cleaning regulations in medical environments are understandably strict, so cleaning should be undertaken by a professional cleaning company with experience and expertise in cleaning medical facilities and with staff who clearly understand the expectations and standards required.

Keeping a health care facility clean involves:

The Proper Use of Gloves

The improper use of gloves can spread dangerous and infectious bacteria. Different gloves should be used for different tasks, patient rooms, and jobs involving heavily soiled items. Gloves must always be changed between tasks, should never be worn in hallways, and cleaning staff must their wash hands after removing gloves.

Focusing on High-Touch Areas

Cleaning staff should focus on cleaning and sanitising the most-touched surfaces. These include beds and bed rails, door handles, basins, taps, phones, and remote controls in patients’ rooms. Counters and chairs in waiting rooms, toilets and taps in restrooms. The more an area is touched, the greater the likelihood of it containing dangerous bacteria.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

One of the biggest challenges for health care cleaning staff is the removal and disposal of contaminants before they infiltrate other areas of the hospital. Mops and cleaning cloths pose a high risk of spreading bacteria to other parts of the facility. Cleaning staff should be trained in procedures involving spraying, vacuuming, and disposal of contaminants to ensure bacteria doesn’t leave the room.

Safely Disposing of Contaminated Materials

Whether you have soiled linens, dirty cleaning fluids, or contaminated biological materials, there should be no chance for contamination during removal. Knowing how and where to dispose of contaminated materials and liquids is as important as the cleaning system itself.

Cleaning in Health Care Facilities is Different to Other Industries

Hospitals, medical centres and other health care facilities pose a number of challenges to cleaning contractors. Such challenges include:

• Training – intensive orientation and ongoing training are required for cleaning staff in a medical environment. This is due to the many physical and health-related risks involved, as well as the required documentation and supervision.
• Documentation – there are extensive checklists, operating procedures, sign-off sheets and communication books that are commonly used to track and validate that work is completed as specified. Staff must ensure these are properly maintained at all times with correct and specific details.
• Supervision – there is no room for error in a medical environment, therefore cleaning contractors must be adequately managed and supervised. Multiple government and private agencies monitor, audit, inspect and approve the operation and funding of health care facilities and these groups often conduct testing to ensure cleaning results are up to standard.
• Risk – cleaning in health care environments poses greater risks to staff including potential exposure to infectious materials, medical-waste disposal, and increased risk of slip, trip, and fall injuries to cleaners, patients, visitors and staff.
• Security and confidentiality – cleaning staff must maintain confidentiality about the activities and occupants in health care facilities.

Hospital cleaning is a crucial part of overall health and safety, as it’s a major contributor to controlling the spread of infections. Prestigiously certified with triple ISO certification, Cleaning Edge Solutions specialize in industrial and commercial cleaning for Melbourne health care facilities. Highly regarded as one of Melbourne’s most reliable and professional cleaning companies, we can expertly take care of all of your hospital and medical centre cleaning services. Cleaning Edge Solutions, will be able to give you the peace of mind that your facility is being cleaned to the highest standards to ensure the health and safety of all patients, visitors and staff. Contact us today for a free quotation.