For any care home, the laundry process is critical to maintaining stringent hygiene standards and is therefore a service area that will be closely evaluated upon inspection by the Care Quality Commission. The CQC state on their website that in order for care homes to achieve their ‘Good’ rating, there is an expectation of a ‘designated room for storage and managing laundry.’ They will also require that ‘laundry processes follow national guidance and correctly manage’ and clean ‘used and infectious laundry to minimise risk of infection.’
In order to ensure that your care home has efficient and CQC compliant procedures in place, Forbes Professional advises that imperatives go beyond the need for commercial laundry equipment that provides the requisite disinfection. Key consideration s for your laundry room include:
1. Commercial laundry equipment that provides the requisite disinfection.
2. Efficient segregation of clean and soiled laundry at all times.
3. Proper hand hygiene must be maintained, with ready access to wash basins.
4. A clean and dirty flow system to avoid recontamination.
5. Any hygiene concerns must be immediately escalated to a designated lead for cleaning and decontamination.
6. Surfaces must be decluttered and equipment must be well maintained.
7. Appropriate PPE is essential for all laundry handling.
8. Laundry operators must be familiarised with the correct laundry and infection control processes.
Forbes Professional works with clients to help them establish a fully compliant laundry operation. Our consultants offer complimentary site surveys and can advise upon on the relevant legislation, IPC policy expectations and industry requirements. Forbes provides care homes with Miele’s energy and water efficient commercial laundry and offers comprehensive user training to ensure the machines’ features are fully optimised. All of our products adhere to the requirements of WRAS and the CQC and are protected by our multi-award winning service support, at no extra cost for the life of the contract.
For any advice regarding your care home laundry function, please contact us on 0345 0702335 or at info@forbes-professional.co.uk
