Healthcare Cleaning Services – Unsung Heroes Of The Pandemic
Those who work within the medical community are literally lifesavers. The services they provide are essential to the well-being of millions of people every day. During the current pandemic, their services are more essential than ever, and despite the growing demand for medical services, the medical community has stepped up to serve communities across the globe.
We all appreciate and respect the work that these individuals do. Without them, our current plight would be much, much worse. What is often overlooked is the behind the scenes work that is required to ensure that the medical facilities that we rely on every day are clean and sanitary.
THE COVID-19 EFFECT
One of the most important aspects of medical care is infection control and all medical professionals are trained in how to reduce or eliminate the spread of infection – a practice that has taken on new meaning in the midst of the pandemic. Still, the fact of the matter is that infection control begins with the medical cleaning services that ensure safe and sanitary healthcare environments. In the midst of the pandemic more and more healthcare facilities are turning to professional cleaning services to clean and disinfect their facilities.
“All of a sudden, this pandemic is a real eye-opener for everyone about how important best practices in cleaning and disinfecting are in health care and beyond.” Keith Sopha, a veteran director of environmental services in health-care settings told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview from Ottawa Canada.
The role of professional cleaning services has become integral to the success of medical facilities in the fight against COVID-19. The fact that the pandemic is already taxing hospital and medical facility staff is just one reason why these facilities are turning to professional cleaning services. The knowledge and training, well-established cleaning processes and protocols, and reduced risk make the investment in professional cleaning services well worth it.
THE EXPERTISE
Professional medical cleaning services have extensive training in the cleaning and disinfecting protocols required for healthcare facilities. Cleaning crews that are trained in healthcare facility cleaning understand the unique needs of the medical office environment. They understand the need for both thorough cleaning and disinfecting. They are also familiar with the unique compliance requirements that medical facilities must meet and are well versed in HIPPA regulations, JCAHO standards, OSHA Bloodbourne Pathogens Standards, and CDC recommended cleaning procedures. You won’t find these qualifications with a typical janitorial service provider.
Enlisting the services of qualified medical facilities cleaning staff means that your facility will be clean and sanitary – a quality that helps ensures patient health and satisfaction, as well as the health and well-being of your staff.
PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES
Cleaning crews specializing in medical facility cleaning are trained in the proper procedures and protocols required for facility sanitization and disinfection. They understand the causes of cross-contamination and manage their cleaning process in such a way as to mitigate such risks. They are experienced with a variety of commercial cleaning chemicals and disinfectants and understand how to apply them, their required dwell times, and safe storage procedures. These people understand how to properly clean and disinfect in a consistent and organized fashion.
THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT
It may seem counter-intuitive to suggest that spending money on specialty cleaning will improve your bottom-line. But studies have shown that the cleanliness of your medical facility is a major factor in patient satisfaction. Because patients are more likely to recommend a hospital they perceive to be clean, it makes cleanliness a target for improvement for all hospitals.
In addition, proper sanitization and disinfection help mitigate Healthcare Acquired Infections, a major concern for all healthcare facilities. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the total direct, indirect, and nonmedical social costs of HAIs are estimated at around $96 billion to $147 billion annually, including loss of work, legal costs, and other patient factors.
It should also be noted that numerous studies have shown that a clean and sanitary workplace promotes higher productivity, lowered absenteeism, and happier and healthier staff. While these things may seem intangible, they can have an enormous impact on your bottom line.
