If you have ever been to an outpatient surgery center, you know that the level of cleanliness is important. Patients are often making critical decisions about their health, and they need to be able to trust that the facility is clean.
Industry professionals who clean commercial facilities understand this importance and work diligently to make sure that all areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most important ways these professionals clean outpatient surgery centers and help them to run their businesses successfully.
Keeping entrances and lobby areas spotless
One of the most important areas in an outpatient surgery center is the entrance and lobby. This is because customers will judge the cleanliness of the entire medical facility based on what they see when they first walk in. First impressions are critical, so it is important to make sure that the lobby and entrance are always spotless.
Having your entrances and lobby areas thoroughly during off hours is necessary. And many businesses choose day porter services to keep these areas clean as patients come and go throughout the day.
Having a clean medical office isn’t only about keeping patients coming back- it’s also a form of advertising. A well-maintained and reputable office will quickly gain notoriety through word of mouth, resulting in an influx of new customers. High patient opinion is key to maintaining a successful practice.
Patient rooms must be cleaned and disinfected daily
Another important area of focus in an outpatient surgery center is patient rooms. These need to be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. This includes all surfaces, floors, bathrooms, and fixtures.
Professional cleaning companies use hospital-grade cleaners and disinfectants to make sure that all bacteria and germs are removed. They will also pay special attention to high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, remote controls, and sink handles.
Pre-op, and post-op rooms, as well as surgery rooms, must be terminal cleaned according to written procedures
This should go without saying, but pre-op rooms, post-op rooms, and surgery rooms must be cleaned according to written procedures without fail. Professional cleaning companies know and follow the required procedures. They adhere to strict cleaning checklists as required by governing bodies to ensure that these critical environments meet the necessary standards to ensure patient safety.
What is terminal Cleaning?
Terminal cleaning is a type of deep cleaning that is performed in healthcare facilities. It is also sometimes referred to as final cleaning or end-of-lease cleaning. This type of cleaning is important because it disinfects and sanitizes all surfaces to help prevent the spread of infection¹.
Professional cleaners who perform terminal cleaning understand the importance of their work and take great pride in providing a high level of service. They understand that their work plays an important role in protecting the health of patients, staff, and visitors.
Terminal Cleaning Standards
There are many standards that professional cleaners must adhere to when performing terminal cleaning. The standards vary depending on the type of healthcare facility and the governing body that sets the standards. However, there are some general guidelines that all professional cleaners must follow.
Some of these guidelines include:
– Cleaning all surfaces, floors, and fixtures
– Using hospital-grade cleaners and disinfectants
– Following strict cleaning checklists
– Paying special attention to high-touch surfaces
The best products and tools for cleaning outpatient surgery centers
The best tools for cleaning outpatient surgery centers are characterized by a few key features:
- They must be durable and able to stand up to constant use.
- They must be easy to clean and disinfect.
- They must be comfortable to use for long periods of time.
A lot of advances have been made in the design of cleaning tools in recent years, and there are now some great options available on the market.
Some of the best tools for cleaning outpatient surgery centers include:
EPA-Registered Disinfectants
These are hospital-grade disinfectants designed with indoor air quality requirements, such as those set forth by the EPA, in mind. They are safe to use around patients and staff and are effective against a wide range of pathogens.
Microfiber Mops
Microfiber mops are designed to pick up more dirt, dust, and debris than traditional mops.
They are also easier to clean and disinfect, which helps to reduce the spread of infection. Anti-drip flathead mops are a good option for outpatient surgery centers.
HEPA-Filtration Vacuums
HEPA is an acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air.” HEPA-filtration vacuums remove more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air than traditional vacuums. They are ideal for outpatient surgery centers because they help to keep the air clean and free of potential pathogens.
Extensive training to the highest cleaning standards
To be a professional cleaner in the healthcare cleaning industry, and specifically in outpatient surgery centers, requires a high level of training. This is necessary to ensure that the proper cleaning standards are met in order to protect patients, staff, and equipment from infection and cross-contamination.
Top industry professionals go through training that sufficiently addresses the following subject areas:
- General health safety requirements
- Precautions in Sharps Handling
- Exposure Control Plans
- Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Awareness
- Understanding Specific Signage and Labels
In addition to the training, the best cleaning companies can provide you with records of their staff’s training to ensure trust and transparency.
Benefits of hiring a cleaning company that specializes in medical facilities
Specialized commercial cleaning companies provide the best possible results and benefit healthcare facilities in many ways. Not only will your center be cleaned to the highest standards, but you can also rest assured that it will be compliant with CMS guidelines.
Infection Prevention
When someone visits a medical facility for treatment, the last thing they want is to pick up another health problem. One of the most important roles of commercial cleaners is to prevent the spread of infection. Cleaning companies that specialize in medical facilities know exactly how to clean and disinfect a space to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
Reducing Risks
Cleaning companies that specialize in commercial cleaning are also trained to identify and remove other health hazards that may be present. This includes removing trip hazards, ensuring that all surfaces are free of sharp objects, and cleaning up any spills as soon as they occur. By taking these precautions, businesses can create a safer environment for everyone.
Improving Patient Satisfaction and Retention
One of the most important factors in the success of any healthcare business is patient satisfaction. When patients feel comfortable and confident in their care provider, they are more likely to return for future services. For this reason, many surgery centers go above and beyond when it comes to cleanliness. This not only includes regularly scheduled deep cleanings but also ensures that the center is free of clutter and any offensive odors.
Ensuring Staff Safety
A clean and well-organized surgery center not only creates a better experience for patients, but also for the staff members who work there. Injuries sustained at work can have a significant impact on an employee’s health and well-being, as well as their ability to do their job. By maintaining a clean and safe environment, businesses can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
Enhancing The Overall Environment
When a commercial space is clean and clutter-free, it creates a positive impression for everyone who visits. This can go a long way in attracting new patients and retaining existing ones. In addition, a well-maintained center projects an image of professionalism and competence. This can give surgery centers an edge over their competitors.
Choose an experienced commercial cleaning company for your medical facility.
Foreman Pro Cleaning has the knowledge and expertise to deliver the results you need. Don’t waste time or put yourself at risk with a subpar cleaning contractor. Contact us today for a free consultation. With over 25 years of experience and a long list of loyal customers, you can trust us to deliver amazing results. We serve medical facilities across Maryland and Virginia from our Annapolis, Yorktown, and Washington DC offices. Including Annapolis, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Arlington. We look forward to hearing from you!
References:
- The New Rules of Terminal Cleaning – Randy Barnes – https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/articles/outpatient-surgery-magazine/2017/july/the-new-rules-of-terminal-cleaning