The Importance of Cleaning and Disinfection In Healthcare Facilities

We assume healthcare facilities are clean, but how clean are they, really? A recent study from the American Journal Of Infection Control found that 87% of hospital sinks located next to toilets in an intensive care unit tested positive for the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) bacteria. That is a dangerously high prevalence, considering this bacteria can lead to a variety of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) like pneumonia, and infections of the bloodstream, skin, and surgical sites.

The transmission of dangerous pathogens associated with HAI is why proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in healthcare facilities is of utmost importance. Staphylococcus aureus, another common germ found in healthcare settings can live up to 3 weeks on a dry surface and causes food poisoning, pneumonia, and skin infections.

High prevalence of HAI

At New England Cleaning Services, Inc., we understand the severity and deadly consequences associated with the contamination of environmental surfaces. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 31 hospital patients contracts at least one infection every day. Healthcare facilities are especially prone to the spread of infections because of the high number of sick, immune-compromised patients. All it takes is for one contaminated site, like a sink in a bathroom, to spread pathogens to multiple patients and staff.

Need for proper cleaning and disinfection

The foundation of the prevention of HAI is cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the hospital. Cleaning should be tailored according to the type of facility, amount of traffic, the amount of moisture present, and the type of surfaces in the room.

At New England Cleaning Services, Inc., we provide superior and unique cleaning and disinfection methods:

• High-touch cleaning: Cleaning to remove all foreign material, especially from high-touch surface areas like doorknobs, sinks, buttons on machinery, screens, and handles, is the first important step in creating a germ-free surface.

• Terminal cleaning: Top-down complete cleaning of rooms and surgical suites between patients is extremely important to prevent transmission from one sick patient to another.

• Electrostatic disinfection: An electrostatically charged mist is sprayed onto surfaces, which allows the solution to adhere to difficult-to-reach areas and shapes. The disinfectant will stay on the surface and will kill most viruses, including influenza, MRSA, and HIV.

• Stabilized Aqueous Ozone: An environmentally friendly way to clean, disinfect, and deodorize surfaces. SAO minimizes water waste and the need for any strong chemicals, which is especially ideal in a healthcare setting.

Prevent infections with professional cleaning

Not all commercial cleaning companies are created equal. With over 40 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, New England Cleaning Services, Inc. provides expert cleaning services using the most advanced methods and equipment. Our multiple certifications through CBSE means that our knowledge and training remain top-notch and we strive to maintain long-lasting relationships with our clients. Contactour Waltham, MA office serving the eastern Massachusetts area by calling (781) 890-2000 today.