Hospital introduces 'cleaning seals', End of Tenancy Cleaning

Hospital introduces 'cleaning seals' - 16/07/2008

A hospital in Chelmsford has introduced new measures to reassure new patients that beds have been washed.

Broomfield Hospital cleaners are now required to place a seal around cleaned beds that have been signed and dated to indicate that they are ready for use.

Tom Browne, consultant vascular surgeon, explained that cleanliness is one of the hospital trust's "top priorities".

He said: "This initiative demonstrates to the patient that their bed space has been thoroughly cleaned for their benefit.

"It is the patient's responsibility to break the seal on the tape that has been placed around the top sheet before they use it. It is very similar to what is expected in hotels when a new guest arrives."

It also allows commercial cleaners to claim some recognition for their work and underlines that as much as possible is being done to combat infection.

The Broomfield Hospital Trust has pledged to invest £900,000 in cleaning and will recruit additional cleaners to ensure wards are kept in pristine condition.