Preparing for Winter
As the winter months approach, Environmental Services Directors and housekeeping staff play a critical role in preparing healthcare facilities for the increased risk of flu andother seasonal illnesses.
During this time, hospitals often experience higher patient volumes, making infection prevention more challenging. The key to reducing the spread of these illnesses lies in diligent planning, targeted cleaning protocols, and continuous education. Here’s how your team can effectively prepare.
1. REASSESS HIGH-TRAFFIC AND HIGH-TOUCH AREAS
Winter brings a heightened need for disinfecting, especially in areas with heavy foot
traffic and frequent contact. From hospital waiting rooms and lobbies to patient rooms
and staff break areas, surfaces in these areas can become breeding grounds for viruses
like influenza and RSV.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Conduct a thorough review of high-touch areas: door handles, elevator buttons, bed
rails, light switches, and handrails. Increase the frequency of cleaning in these spaces,
particularly during peak seasons. Consider setting up a detailed cleaning schedule
that targets these areas multiple times per shift.
2. FOCUS ON PROPER DISINFECTION PRACTICES
Surface disinfection is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of infectious
agents. Your team is already familiar with the importance of using hospital-grade
disinfectants, but during flu season, consistency and accuracy become even more critical.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Re-train staff on proper dwell times for disinfectants like Clorox and Diversey products.
Ensure that cleaning occurs between surface contact and full disinfectant efficacy.
Encourage the use of ready-to-use disinfectant wipes for quick touch-ups, particularly
in patient rooms and nurse stations. Review the efficacy of your current disinfectant
products against common winter illnesses. Both Clorox and Diversey offer solutions
proven to be effective against the flu virus.
3. PROMOTE HAND HYGIENE
While environmental cleaning is vital, preventing hand hygiene is equally essential.
Ensuring that healthcare staff, patients, and visitors practice good hand hygiene can
drastically reduce the spread of germs.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Position hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas, including entrances, hallways,
and near patient rooms. Regularly check that dispensers are stocked and functional,
especially during busy times. Work with nursing staff to encourage frequent handwashing,
particularly after patient interactions and before medical breaks.
4. STAFF EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION
Your housekeeping staff is on the front line in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Equipping them with the knowledge and tools to handle the winter season’s challenges
is key to successful infection control.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Host refresher courses for your environmental services team focusing on how the flu virus
spreads and how they can prevent transmission. Reinforce proper PPE use, especially
masks and gloves, when cleaning areas occupied by flu patients. Create a culture of open
communication—ensure that staff feel comfortable reporting any issues, such as supply
shortages or concerns about patient contamination, promptly.
5. STAY STOCKED ON SUPPLIES
Having the right cleaning supplies on hand is essential during flu season. Hospitals
often see an increase in patient admissions, and with it, a higher demand for
cleaning products.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Perform an inventory check before winter begins to ensure you’re fully stocked on
disinfectants, wipes, gloves, and hand sanitizers. Partner with suppliers, like your janitorial
distributor, to set up recurring deliveries of essential items. This ensures you won’t run
low during peak periods. Discuss contingency plans with your supplier to accommodate
any sudden surges in demand.
6. COLLABORATE WITH INFECTION CONTROL TEAMS
Working closely with your hospital’s infection control team is an effective way to tailor
your cleaning protocols to current trends. This team can provide insights on emerging
threats and help your team stay ahead.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
Schedule regular meetings with infection control staff to discuss emerging trends and
align your team’s cleaning protocols with initiatives. Be flexible—update your cleaning
protocols based on new guidance from infection control, particularly if there’s an outbreak.
CONCLUSION
Preparing for flu season is a proactive approach that can save lives and reduce the
strain on hospital resources. By focusing on high-traffic areas, reinforcing proper
disinfection techniques, promoting hand hygiene, and ensuring your staff is educated
and equipped, you can minimize the spread of seasonal illnesses. As a janitorial
distributor, we’re here to support healthcare facilities with the cleaning solutions
and infection control strategies they need to keep your hospital safe during the
challenging winter months.
