Compliance exists as a set of standards that ensure the best possible method of operation, any facility or business must adhere to them. Compliance can exist in many forms for certain situations, cleanliness in healthcare spaces are no exception.
In this blog, we will dive into healthcare cleaning compliance — every facility must know.
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
What is healthcare cleaning compliance?
Healthcare cleaning compliance is a set of standards in the form of guidelines and regulations that ensure healthcare facilities are clean enough to be considered safe.
An aim of this compliance is to prevent the spread of infections that can be associated with healthcare facilities. By following the compliance, staff, patients, and other visitors/immune compromised individuals are safe.
The compliance that should be followed are the ‘National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025’. Here are some examples of some standards outlined within the compliance that a healthcare facility should be implementing:*
*Some areas require more stringent measures than others due to their functional risk. The higher the functional risk, the more encompassing and intricate the cleaning must be. For example, an operating room will have a much larger functional risk than an outpatient waiting area.
Outpatient waiting area (Low to medium functional risk area):
- Floors should be cleaned daily using vacuuming or damp mopping, depending on the floor type.
- Seating should be cleaned daily, with particular attention to arms and backs. Spills should be cleaned immediately.
- Reception desks and counters should be cleaned daily and wiped down frequently, especially high-contact areas.
- Public toilets should be cleaned multiple times a day according to a defined schedule, with regular checks and restocking of supplies.
Operating theatre (very high functional risk area):
- Floors must be cleaned and disinfected between each surgical procedure, and undergo a thorough terminal clean at the end of the operating list. Specific cleaning protocols for blood and body fluid spills must be in place.
- All horizontal surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between each procedure.
- Fixed equipment (e.g., operating table, lights) must be cleaned and disinfected between each procedure, with particular attention to handles and adjustable parts. A more intensive clean is required at regular intervals.
- Ventilation systems need regular maintenance and cleaning of ventilation systems are critical to maintain air quality.
Who regulates healthcare cleaning compliance?
To see if a facility is following healthcare cleaning compliance, it is regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). One of the standards they check compliance against is Regulation 15: Premises and Equipment within the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Regulation 15 states that premises and equipment must be clean, secure, suitable, properly used and maintained, and that appropriate hygiene standards are maintained.
In addition, individual NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations usually have their own, more specific cleaning policies and protocols, that must be followed alongside national guidelines. This can vary based on the specific practice.
Regardless, regular auditing of cleaning standards and practices are a crucial part of compliance. This identifies areas for improvement and ensure standards are being met. Aside from outside sources, it is best practice for healthcare facilities to conduct their own cleaning audits. Professional cleaning services can aid with this.
As a result, proper record-keeping of cleaning schedules, completed tasks, audits, and training is essential for demonstrating compliance.
Are there any penalties for not following healthcare cleaning compliance?
Penalties for not following healthcare compliance can lead to actions from the CQC and financial issues beyond a few fines. Here’s what you can expect:
Actions by the CQC:
- The CQC can issue formal notices requiring providers to make specific improvements within a set timeframe to address breaches in regulations, including those related to cleanliness.
- The CQC can impose, vary, or remove conditions on a healthcare provider’s registration. This could restrict the services they offer or how they operate until compliance is achieved.
- In serious cases where there is a risk of harm to individuals, the CQC can suspend a provider’s registration, until compliance is seen to be implemented correctly and consistently.
- In the most severe cases of non-compliance, the CQC can cancel a provider’s registration, effectively shutting down the service.
- The CQC has the power to issue FPN’s (Fixed penalty notices) for certain offences related to non-compliance with regulations. For more serious breaches of regulations, particularly those that result in harm or a significant risk of harm, the CQC can prosecute providers and registered managers.
This can lead to unlimited fines and, in some cases, imprisonment for responsible individuals, especially in cases of gross negligence.
2. Financial implications beyond a fine:
- A history of non-compliance or incidents related to poor hygiene can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums in the future.
- If patients or staff suffer infections or harm due to inadequate cleaning, the facility could face compensation claims.
- Poor cleanliness standards can severely damage a healthcare facility’s reputation, leading to a loss of patient trust and potentially impacting referrals and occupancy rates.
- Investigations and enforcement actions by the CQC can lead to significant operational disruptions.
- For independent providers, failure to meet cleanliness standards can lead to the loss of contracts with the NHS or other commissioners.
How can a cleaning service keep a healthcare facility compliant?
A cleaning service like Sentrex can significantly aid UK healthcare facilities in maintaining compliance by providing specialist expertise and resources.
They ensure adherence to the ‘National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025’ through meticulously trained staff who are well aware of the standards required.
In addition, our specialist services can implement and manage effective cleaning schedules, conduct quality audits (technical and efficacy), and provide detailed documentation.
This proactive approach helps facilities meet CQC Regulations, reduce the risk of infections, and achieve the mandatory cleanliness star ratings.
With the help of Sentrex, you can not only stay within compliance regulations, but also have a standard of cleanliness that is more than just the bare basics.
Sentrex optimises cleaning for each individual client based on their needs and facility, regardless of scale, we can facilitate bespoke cleaning services.
Ensure your healthcare facility meets every hygiene and compliance standard. Contact Sentrex today for CQC-ready healthcare cleaning solutions.
Cleaning services that ensure healthcare compliance
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
Here is a list of the warehouse cleaning services we provide:
- Chemical degreasing
- Steam cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Power-scrubbing
- Auto-scrubbing
- Stain and spill removal
- Debris and dust removal
- Power-scraping
- Sanding, and shot-blasting
- Vacuuming
- High-speed burnishing
- Spray buffing, waxing, and stripping
- Low moisture bonnet cleaning
- Deep extraction
- Commercial carpet cleaning
- Trash clean up
- Window cleaning
- Exterior cleaning
- Cleaning of washrooms
- Deep cleaning
In this blog, we’ve provided the key information on healthcare cleaning compliance – what every facility must know. Whilst also providing supplementary information about the benefits of our professional services.
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
