Cleanliness proposals to drive down healthcare infections

The Cleaning Policy emphasises the part that cleanliness has to play in helping to reduce Healthcare Associated Infections.

The Minister said: “I am committed to improving and sustaining levels of cleanliness in healthcare settings.

“We have come a long way in the prevention and control of infection in our facilities, but more must be done. We have a duty to our population to do everything we can to eliminate preventable infections altogether.”

The policy aims to help Trusts to provide the best possible services for patients, visitors and staff, reinforce best practice and audit control measures and bring some regional consistency to cleanliness in the Health and Social Care sector.

Mr Poots said: “I am confident that the proposals in this draft Cleaning Policy will go even further towards achieving best practice and restoring public confidence in our hospitals.

“I would encourage people to respond to the consultation to ensure the best possible outcome in the provision of high quality cleaning services in our health service.”

The draft policy and consultation questionnaire can be accessed here or copy and paste this url to your browser bar http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/current_consultations.