Confusion over training causes hospitals to fail says BCC

Confusion over training and lack of expertise is causing hospitals to fail - and the British Cleaning Council is calling upon hospitals to invite cleaning industry chiefs, with years of expertise, to help reform cleaning regimes.

Steve Wright, Chairman of BCC says: "Sadly, for too long now, many UK hospitals are failing to hit the mark in hygiene terms. Cleanliness is critical in all healthcare environments and many seem to be lacking the ability to rectify failures. Unless hospitals managers avail themselves of cleaning industry know-how, the hospital cleaning crisis will continue."

There is no shortage of expertise in the cleaning industry. The BCC's member associations have over 500 years of experience between them, yet extensive knowledge such as this is not exploited by hospitals.

The British Institute of Cleaning Science has been using its own cleaning colour coding system for differing workplaces for many years, yet conversely, bodies such as the National Patient Safety Agency have recently introduced their own.

BICSc has produced a guide on best value in building cleaning as well as one with the Cleaning & Support Services' Association, on quality management - with sections on hospital cleaning.

"Hospital cleaning desperately needs to be revolutionised in the same way that school dinners have been," says Steve. "We would like to see a cleaning inspector in every hospital and believe that hospital cleaners be trained by experts in the classroom and on the job. By cleaning up our hospitals we could be saving many from the risk of sickness or infection."

The BCC can be contacted by telephoning 01942 612634/17

www.britishcleaningcouncil.org

13th September 2007