Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) can cost the healthcare sector millions of pounds in supplementary hospital treatments and additional care days, say Ecolab, developer of a new integrated cleaning solution.
Jeannette Fisher, general manager of Initial Hospital Services, invited Ecolab to trial its new cleaning system with the aim of improving hygiene standards and increasing productivity at the Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham. Utility savings were also high on the agenda as a significant reduction in water usage was an important factor.
Initial Hospital Services allocated an oncology ward to trial the system. The trial took place over a six-week period, and was monitored twice a week. Questionnaires were completed by system users, nursing staff and patients. General feedback was extremely positive with patients commenting on the how much fresher the room smelled, and staff saying they felt more confident with the new system.
Further investigation into the trial demonstrated that Ecolab’s microfibre system was able to significantly improve floor-mopping productivity. With its ergonomic design, no dry mopping or prior vacuuming was necessary. As well as productivity at Birmingham Heartlands, Ecolab’s system was able to demonstrate further savings of water and chemical. On average 87% of water and chemical was saved during the cleaning process across the hospital.
Initial Hospital Services purchased 60 Ecolab microfibre systems for Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, covering all wards and high-risk departments. A detailed rollout plan was constructed that ensured complete training for the staff in the processes of cleaning with the microfibre system. Full documentation and service back up was provided in order to ensure smooth transition from traditional methods to Ecolab’s microfibre cleaning system. Monthly service calls are now in operation and ensure any issues are covered during the visit and provide training when required.
