A new cleanliness specification for healthcare facilities, expected to be published this March, is in development by the Department of Health, the National Patient Safety Agency, and global standards provider BSI.
Designed to assist in the provision of cleanliness in support of infection prevention and improved patient, public and staff confidence, PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 5748 will specify requirements for the provision of cleanliness in acute, community and mental health hospitals. The aim is that it will include requirements for: r definition and assignment of cleanliness responsibilities and accountabilities. r risk assessment and categorisation of functional areas and elements within hospitals. r Identification and implementation of cleaning tasks needed to achieve a specified definition of “clean” for different elements within hospitals. r the measurement, reporting, and improvement, of cleanliness. PAS 5748 is intended to be endorsed at board level, and implemented by, “those employed to maintain cleanliness”, including cleaning, nursing, departmental, and FM staff. The specification’s development includes a six-week open consultation, which commenced on 18 December. Interested parties can register interest at: www.bsigroup.com/pas5748
