Report : IPC Conference Presentation by Emma Brookes
Head of Soft FM Strategy and Operations – NHS Estates and Facilities, Commercial Directorate
In a recent IPC conference, Emma Brookes, the Head of Soft FM Strategy and Operations – NHS Estates and Facilities, Commercial Directorate, delivered an inspiring speech that shed light on the crucial importance of healthcare cleanliness. Cleanliness is a crucial aspect of healthcare facilities, as it plays a significant role in preventing the spread of infections and diseases. Her comprehensive presentation emphasized the collaborative efforts and new standards that are transforming the healthcare sector.
During her talk, Brookes discussed the national standards for healthcare cleanliness in England. She emphasized that these standards are essential to ensure that patients receive high-quality care in a safe and clean environment. “The national standards provide guidance on how to maintain cleanliness in healthcare facilities,” she said.
Let us delve into the key takeaways from her address.
Cleaning as a Science
Emma Brookes highlighted the significance of viewing cleaning as a science rather than a mere routine. She stated, “Cleaning for health is not just about appearances; it’s about creating a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.” This understanding underpinned the foundation of the new standards and their focus on maintaining cleanliness for the sake of overall well-being.
The Power of Collaboration
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the healthcare environment, Emma emphasized the power of partnership. She noted, “We cannot achieve effective cleanliness standards in isolation; collaboration is key.” The new standards were developed through extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including healthcare organizations, working parties, and pilot programs. This inclusive approach aimed to foster a collective commitment to cleanliness and ensure consistency across the sector.
Cleaning for Health
Emma Brookes highlighted the concept of cleaning for health, urging healthcare organizations to prioritize the well-being of patients and staff. She stressed, “Cleanliness should be everybody’s business,” emphasizing the responsibility of all stakeholders. By involving everyone, from senior management to patients and visitors, a culture of accountability and excellence in cleanliness can be established.
The Journey of Creating New Standards
Emma provided insights into the meticulous process involved in creating the national standards. Working parties collaborated with 30 organizations, conducted pilot programs, and gathered data over a four-year period. The result was the launch of the new standards in May 2021, followed by an 18-month compliance period for all healthcare organizations.
Emma emphasized that this was not a one-time endeavor. “It’s very important for us that people understand this is a journey,” she explained. The aim was to bring all healthcare organizations up to the same minimum standard, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
Transparency and Accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability, Emma introduced cleanliness charters. These charters aimed to promote openness, responsibility, and commitment to cleanliness standards. Emma explained, “Cleanliness charters will serve as a means to track and assess compliance, enabling organizations to continuously improve their cleaning practices.”
Enhancing Standards through Audits
Emma emphasized the importance of auditing and rating the efficacy of cleaning practices. She unveiled the implementation of star ratings and efficacy audits as measures to enhance transparency and assess the quality of cleaning processes. These audits would encompass various factors, such as proper training, equipment utilization, and adherence to standards, thereby ensuring the highest level of cleanliness.
Engaging and Educating Staff
To support the implementation of the new standards, Emma presented innovative training resources, including bite-sized videos and posters. These resources aimed to engage and educate healthcare staff, promoting a culture of excellence in cleanliness. By empowering staff with the necessary knowledge and tools, the overall quality of healthcare cleanliness can be significantly improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emma Brookes’ insights shed light on the importance of healthcare cleanliness in ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes. The national standards provide guidance on maintaining cleanliness in healthcare facilities while cleaning should be done systematically using appropriate equipment and chemicals. Partnership between different stakeholders is crucial, and cleaning should focus on reducing the risk of infections and improving patient outcomes. As Brookes said, “Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, and we need to work together to achieve it.”
