Receptionists take 'hands-on' approach to cleanliness, Spring Cleaning

Receptionists take 'hands-on' approach to cleanliness - 06/07/2008

Receptionists at Newham General Hospital have literally taken hospital cleanliness into their own hands.

While commercial cleaners see to the site's floors, surfaces and other appliances, receptionists at the hospital are ensuring alcohol hand gel dispensers are clean.

Jeremy Sharp, head of client services, claims that it can only be good news that dispensers need to be so closely monitored for refilling.

He said: "We are aware that the hand gel stations are sometimes empty, this emphasises the fact that the public and staff are making good use of them."

Meanwhile, lead nurse for infection control, Rachel Bensalem, notes that nurses are also encouraging patients to ask them about proper cleaning techniques in a bid to combat infection.

Welsh health minister Edwina Hart unveiled a package of measures to improve hospital cleanliness throughout Wales at the end of June.

Plans include a rapid response unit of commercial cleaners to perform deep cleaning whenever an infection breaks out in hospitals.