When you run a hospital or smaller scale healthcare facility, cleanliness is one of your utmost concerns when it comes to maintenance and sustainability. If you are choosing a new professional cleaning service or reviewing the quality of your current cleaner, there are some questions you should ask, not limited to the suggestions below.
What are your cleaning service’s training programs?
They should include HAI training, hand cleanliness, cross contamination, high touch point disinfection, training for bloodborne pathogens, and regular review of HIPAA laws.
What is the accountability for staff when it comes making sure they are following the health codes when cleaning?
A professional cleaning service can say that they are professional, but how do they keep apprised on how the staff behaves or what quality of service they provide to each client? Ask them how they hold their employees accountable.
When patients are discharged, is there a more stringent cleaning process in place?
To avoid cross contamination from outgoing patient to the incoming, protocols must be implemented to thoroughly sanitize and sterilize.
Are the technicians trained in proper engagement with patients if they are in the vicinity?
Respect for patients and hospital staff is vital to not only protect the image of your business, but because it’s just the right way to treat people.
Does the cleaning service hire individuals with a thorough background check and screening process?
If you work in or have a loved one in the hospital, then you know how vital it is to keep a secure and safe place for all. The company should perform a drug screening, and check for a criminal record. They should also be specifically checking if potential employees are on the sex offender registry.
Does your cleaning company use environmentally friendly products and processes?
More and more people expect a higher standard and “greener” is the preferred choice. Keeping your cleaning products more natural could be more beneficial to patient recovery.
Does the cleaning service have infection risk control assessments and planning put in place?
There should be plans in place to label levels of risk and variance in cleanliness requirements when threats arise.
To reduce HAI (healthcare associated infections), do your cleaners have certain protocols?
Monitor for compliance on a regular basis, create concise and clear rules for cleaning surgical areas or high-risk areas, and consistent use of hospital grade disinfectants.
Are your cleaning technicians certified and trained to handle and disposal of hazardous and chemical waste?
This is important to keep the patients, hospital staff, and cleaning service staff safe; so anyone handling these must be properly trained.
