6 Steps to Improve Hygiene Standards in Your Medical Care Facility

Ensuring a high level of hygiene standards in any medical care facility is essential. Poor hygiene can lead to several health risks, including the spread of infectious diseases. That is why ensuring that your medical care facility meets the highest hygiene standards is important. The following are 6 steps to improve hygiene standards in your medical care facility. Implementing these steps ensures that your facility is safe and hygienic for your staff, patients, and visitors.

Establish a Hygiene Policy

The first step in improving hygiene standards in your medical care facility is establishing a hygiene policy. Your hygiene policy should outline the procedures for all aspects of hygiene in your facility, including staff handwashing and disinfection practices, proper waste management, and cleaning schedules. Your hygiene policy should be accessible and visible in your facility so that all staff and visitors can easily refer to it. Your hygiene policy should include procedures for the following aspects of hygiene in your medical care facility:

• Staff handwashing and disinfection practices
• Waste management procedures
• Cleaning schedules

Train Your Medical Staff

Once you have established your hygiene policy, the next step in improving hygiene standards in your medical care facility is to train your medical staff on the proper hygiene procedures outlined in your hygiene policy. Your medical staff training sessions should cover the following:

• The importance of maintaining a high level of hygiene in a medical care facility
• The procedures outlined in your hygiene policy
• Hygiene best practices

Incorporate the Latest Hygiene and Cleaning Technologies

Another way to improve hygiene standards in your medical care facility is to incorporate the latest hygiene and cleaning technologies. This can include investing in new cleaning or hygienic equipment such as cleaning carts, mops, cleaners, or disinfectant sprayers. It can also involve equipping your medical staff with new supplies like new gowns, masks, or gloves designed for greater hygienic protection. Technology can also play a role in improving hygiene standards in your medical care facility. This may include equipping your facility with hand-sanitizing dispensers, washing areas equipped with ultraviolet (UV) light, or rooms that can be easily decontaminated. 

Follow Proper Disposal and Waste Management Procedures

Make sure you are following the rules and regulations of your state to ensure that your medical care facility is a safe and hygienic place for your staff, patients, and visitors. Your medical care facility should also follow proper disposal and waste management procedures. This includes having specific waste disposal procedures for different types of waste, including biohazardous, contaminated, and medical waste. It is also essential to have a plan to manage medical waste properly. This can include using unique medical waste bags to store used medical supplies or hiring a company for Medical Waste Pickup.

Ensure Proper Handwashing

All staff must wash their hands before and after each patient interaction. It is also important for staff members to wash their hands before and after certain activities, such as using the restroom, entering the medical care facility, or leaving work for the day. To properly wash your hands, use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and scrub all areas of your hands, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. 

Regularly Clean Medical Equipment

Another important step in improving hygiene standards in your medical care facility is regularly cleaning medical equipment. This can include examination tables or beds, wheelchairs, IV poles, and medical carts. To clean your medical equipment, use a disinfectant or sanitize it. It is essential to regularly clean your medical equipment to remove dirt and grime and to remove harmful bacteria and germs. Periodically cleaning your medical equipment ensures it is free from harmful bacteria and germs and will remain in good condition.

Conclusion

Hygiene standards in any medical care facility must meet the highest standards. Poor hygiene can lead to several health risks, including the spread of infectious diseases. Implementing these tips ensures that your facility is safe and hygienic for your staff, patients, and visitors.