Hospital cleaning: revised specification published
Best practice
Abstract:
The document outlines guidance and best practice to assist the NHS in ensuring that contracts for cleaning are driven by quality rather than price. The document includes: - · Revised National Specifications for Cleanliness (formerly the National Standards of Cleanliness) which set out the standards hospitals should provide as a minimum requirement · The recommended minimum cleaning frequencies which are needed to achieve the National Specifications · Best practice guide on evaluating and awarding contracts so that not only price but quality is also considered · Putting Matrons in Charge – The “Ward Cleaning Management System” · Information on the revised Healthcare Facilities Cleaning manual which has been updated into a web-based document for ease of regular updating The guidance is aimed at Directors of Estates and Facilities, Domestic Service Managers, Infection Control teams and Matrons/Ward Sisters.
Category:
Control
Prevention
Expert Review
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Summary:
The document outlines guidance and best practice to assist the NHS in ensuring that contracts for cleaning are driven by quality rather than price.The document includes: -· Revised National Specifications for Cleanliness (formerly the National Standards of Cleanliness) which set out the standards hospitals should provide as a minimum requirement· The recommended minimum cleaning frequencies which are needed to achieve the National Specifications· Best practice guide on evaluating and awarding contracts so that not only price but quality is also considered· Putting Matrons in Charge – The “Ward Cleaning Management System”· Information on the revised Healthcare Facilities Cleaning manual which has been updated into a web-based document for ease of regular updatingThe guidance is aimed at Directors of Estates and Facilities, Domestic Service Managers, Infection Control teams and Matrons/Ward Sisters.
Questions Addressed:
The document outlines guidance and best practice to assist the NHS in ensuring that contracts for cleaning are driven by quality rather than price. It also includes revised National Specifications for Cleanliness (formerly the National Standards of Cleanliness) Matrons role and authority and information on the revised Healthcare Facilities Cleaning manual which has been updated into a web-based document.
Type of Study:
Best Practice
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
It is difficult to differentiate between previous guidance on cleaning standards and this document as to what is still current and what it replaces
Results Reliability:
Yes: A wide range of people from the NHS and commercial organisations were involved in providing expert advice for the document.
Problems or Biases:
It is difficult to differentiate between previous guidance such as cleaning standards and this document as to what is still current and what if anything it replaces.
Relevant Studies:
1.The NHS Healthcare Cleaning manual – web based version www.cleanhospitals.com
Keywords:
Cleaning contracting quality competitive tendering Matrons performance parameters
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association