Hospital cleaning is an ongoing process that requires a combination of regular and specialized cleaning agents to ensure that the hospital is free of germs and other contaminants. One area where hospitals have specific requirements is sterilizing medical equipment. Most hospitals use medical-grade alcohol-based germicidal solutions such as isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. Although these solutions effectively kill bacteria and spores, they can leave remnants of the disinfectant that can be an irritant to the eye. Other areas where hospital cleaning in Miami, FL is required are drainage systems, flooring and grouting, air-conditioning and ventilation systems, window cleaning and air-handling units, and general maintenance of the building itself.
There are many benefits of good hospital cleaning. A clean hospital offers staff members a more comfortable work environment in the short term. In the longer term, increases in productivity and decreases in overtime pay are seen at hospitals that have maintained or exceeded clinical cleaning standards.
An effective hospital cleaning regime requires ongoing involvement of all hospital staff, which requires a dedicated supervisor for many hospitals. Hospital cleaning contracts may be awarded to any company that meets specified criteria from a set of guidelines. Some countries outside the US hire directly from companies such as Miller Surgical or Harrison Davis – but the complexity of the tasks involved means that these are usually not used for smaller hospitals with fewer than 100 beds.
Hospital cleaning contracts often use a ‘strike or dirty’ system. The strike period commences when the contract is signed, but not necessarily on the first work day. If a contractor fails to fulfill its obligations within this period, it will be struck off and replaced by another contractor who has passed its inspection routine. If a contractor has been struck off, they are fully permitted to carry out their work for the remainder of their contract.
Hospital cleaning has numerous benefits to both hospital and client, a detailed and thought-out plan is the key to success.
This is the standard cleaning procedure for hospitals, in which the entire hospital floor is cleaned thoroughly. It usually consists of a three-day strike period and can include every part of the building, from operating rooms to linen closets.
This cleaning procedure is used by smaller hospitals with only one or two floors that need cleaning. The strike period usually lasts between 2–4 days, depending on the size of the hospital.