Tips for Achieving a Clean Hospital
Very many people are affected worldwide by infections acquired in hospitals. It goes without saying that healthcare workers should pay more attention to hygiene since they are mostly responsible for the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens through their hands. It is scary to come into terms with the fact that hospitals are, in fact, a major hotbed for the transfer of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Listed below are some tips for achieving a clean hospital.
Containing Air Pollution
It is imperative for a hospital to keep bacteria out of the airstream. Hospital workers should bear in mind that soiled bedclothes should be rolled away from their bodies and placed into linen bins. The trash bags must be tied properly to prevent excess air from escaping the bag.
Covers for Computer Keyboards/Fax and Copy Machines
Computer keyboards often go under the radar when the mention of hospital cleaning springs aboard. In fact, those keyboards carry more germs than anything else because they are touched by the staff in the hospital daily and all around. Unlike the keyboards, keyboard covers can be disinfected easily. Likewise, the enter and send buttons on fax and copy machines must also be focused on.
Disinfect your cell phones
The keypad and the mouthpiece of your cell phones must be cleaned every day with a disinfectant after arrival at the hospital and before departure. Some of the other high touch zones that should also be carefully monitored include door handles, bathroom fixtures, flush handles, light switches, elevator buttons, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and touch screen computer kiosks.
Cleaning from Clean to Dirty Areas
Contrary to popular belief, hospital cleaning should start from the clean areas to the dirty areas. When the opposite route is taken, there are more chances for the spread of disease-causing soils, especially if the same mops and rags are used for the other facilities.
Disinfecting cubicle divider curtains
It has been reported by the Applied and Environmental Microbiology that cubicle curtains contain bacteria that can harbour pathogens and superbugs like MRSA and VRE. While cleaning the hospital, many fail to realise the potential threat of not frequently disinfecting and cleaning cubicle divider curtains; this needs to change.
Keeping remote controls clean
Remote controls in hospitals are rarely cleaned. Much emphasis must be given on disinfecting remote controls because they can breed bacteria and virus. The easiest method of cleaning the remote control is by using a toothpick and a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The toothpick can be used to clean hard-to-reach-places. The batteries must first be removed to begin the cleaning process.
Hospital administration should also employ the services of a cleaning company like Delron Carpet Cleaning Service to ensure special care is taken to clean things properly.