Think about the last time you visited a doctor’s office or medical clinic. You probably noticed how clean everything looked, right? That’s no accident. Medical cleaning services play a crucial role in keeping healthcare facilities safe and hygienic. By using the right products, following proper protocols, and maintaining a consistent baseline clean, medical cleaning services can contribute to the overall health and well-being of patients and healthcare workers.
Medical Cleaning Services: Germ Hotspots Abound in Healthcare
Now, why is this so important? Well, surgical centers and clinics are hotspots for germs and bacteria. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that about 1 in 31 healthcare patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day. That’s a sobering statistic, isn’t it?
Healthcare-associated infections, or HAIs, are widespread and pose a significant risk, affecting millions of patients worldwide. HAIs present serious consequences for any medical patients if not curtailed. From increased out of pocket healthcare costs and burgeoning insurance costs, to longer in-patient stays, the road to recovery costs more both in dollars and cents and in human recuperation.
High Stakes of Healthcare-Associated Infections: a Need for Medical Facility Cleaning
HAIs can be particularly dangerous for certain at-risk populations including the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems, all of whom are more susceptible to infections.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that patients 65 years and older accounted for about 54% of all healthcare-associated infections. HAIs can prolong in-patient stays by an average of 7 to 14 days, which leads to increased healthcare costs and a greater risk of complications. When HAIs infect a patient, on average patients increase their individual risk of death by 10% to 20%. With such tremendous stakes, is it any wonder that the daily to-do list for medical cleaning services is so rigorous?
Set the Standard with a Consistent Baseline Clean
Medical cleaning services are on the front lines, battling invisible enemies to keep patients and healthcare workers safe. From using the right products to following proper protocols, every aspect of their work is crucial.
The pandemic really highlighted the importance of thorough cleaning in medical settings. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the COVID-19 virus could survive on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours. The key? Consistent, thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing every time.
It’s not just about wiping surfaces – there’s a science to it. Did you know that there’s a specific order for cleaning patient rooms? The CDC recommends starting with the least dirty surfaces and ending with the most contaminated areas. This helps prevent the spread of pathogens during the cleaning process.
Use the Right Tool for the Right Job
Medical facility cleaning is demanding by nature. The complex layout of healthcare facilities, with numerous nooks and crannies, can make thorough cleaning difficult. At AK Building Services, we have certified and trained professionals ready to tackle your surgical suites, medical or dental practice. Let us tailor your program to address your specific concerns and keep your medical office bright, clean and pleasant.
Healthcare environment cleaning presents unique challenges due to the sensitive nature of the environment itself. Daily visits by immunocompromised patients necessitates stringent infection prevention measures. In turn, those daily visitors bring with them a host of biohazardous pathogens that require specialized cleaning protocols, training and equipment to contain.
Fortunately, it all boils down to using the right products and techniques for your individual medical facility’s challenge. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of disinfectants that are effective against various pathogens.
Professional grade disinfectant and sanitization chemicals come in highly concentrated liquids, gasses and granules, and must be diluted before use. Such chemicals can be caustic, flammable, harmful to touch or inhale and, in some instances, can be outright poisonous. Not only are these chemicals potentially toxic, but they also require an advanced level of training to handle and apply correctly.
Professional Cleaning Services: Mandatory for a Safe Medical Setting
Centers that provide healthcare-related services are hotspots for germs and bacteria, making thorough cleaning essential to prevent the spread of infections. Establishing a consistent and robust protocol with your commercial cleaning partner can help reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and help reassure your most vulnerable patients that their well-being is always top of mind.
Protect your patients and staff with top-notch medical cleaning services. Contact us today to ensure a safe, hygienic environment for everyone who steps through your doors.
