Maintaining cleanliness in hospitals and clinics is essential to maintain high standards of quality for customers and reduce the risks of germs spreading and cross-contamination.
For public and private hospitals, dentists, doctors, optometrists and more, several factors must be working together to ensure maximum cleanliness in a clinical environment.
We spoke to Trovex, a specialist manufacturer of hygienic products, who provided some tips below.
Materials used
Clinics can be designed and built with specialist materials, including wall cladding which is a type of durable wall material which is produced to limit the number of bacteria that can surface and make it easier wiped and cleaned. Using plain floors instead of carpets is always advised so it can be easily cleaned, including any spillages or bacteria.
The use of wrapped doors is often used in hospitals and clinics – they are moulded specifically using high temperatures and pressure to create various patterns. The vacuum-bonded wrapped doors create a material that is long-lasting and easy to clean, hence it is perfect for areas where hygiene is essential.
Hand wash stations
Ways to promote sanitation in a clinic setting involve adding hand and eye washing stations in the entrance and exit of every room, whether it is with hand soap and a tap or through alcohol gel. This can be through the use of signs, encouraging patients and visitors to use the hand wash facilities and maintain a level of hygiene upon entering and leaving.
Company procedures
The art of cleanliness is deeply rooted in the company or clinic culture – and is something that every member of the team has a responsibility to uphold. This includes having regular meetings to discuss and maintain cleanliness, having a cleaning rota (and someone to check it), procedures such as wiping down surfaces such as beds and chairs after they have been used by patients and encouraging other visitors and guests to do the same.
This includes optometrists wiping down any machines that are used by guests to avoid eye contamination, and for dentists and nurses to thoroughly wipe down chairs, clean utensils and basins before they are used by other patients. The hospital or clinic manager, or indeed owner of the business, has the responsibility to create and reinforce these rules to maintain and increase health and sanitation for everyone that comes in and out of the clinic.
