The Most Important Medical Practice Free Cleaning Checklist
April 17, 2024 | Posted by Jani-King TeamEveryone knows that cleaning is essential in any GP practice, it is now even more important than ever to consider this. A clean environment not only promotes patient safety but also contributes to regulatory compliance and the overall reputation of your practice. In a GP setting, where patients with various health conditions visit regularly, meticulous cleaning protocols are essential to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a safe environment. To help you uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, we've created a free cleaning checklist covering the key areas of a GP practice, including reception areas, patient rooms, and waiting rooms, with tasks categorised into daily, weekly, and monthly routines so you can make sure your covering all basis.
CQC Compliances
You’ll know that the CQC (Care Quality Commission) exists to independently regulate health and social care services. When the CQC inspect your practice, they will look at five key areas, is your service:
- Safe
- Effective
- Caring
- Responsive
- Well-led
The above areas, in regard to cleaning, primarily focus on prevention of healthcare-associated infections, maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene standards, effective waste management, and implementation of infection control measures.
By prioritising these aims, GP surgeries uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, minimising the risk of cross-contamination and promoting patient well-being. Compliance with CQC regulations not only safeguards the health of individuals accessing healthcare services but also reinforces trust and confidence in the quality of care provided by GP surgeries.
Reception Areas Cleaning Checklist
Daily:
- Disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including countertops, desks, and keyboards, using a hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Wipe down pens, clipboards, and any shared office supplies with disinfectant wipes after each use.
- Empty and Sanitise bins. Replace with new bin liner.
- Clean and sanitise sign-in stations, ensuring that touchscreens or pens are disinfected regularly.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dirt and debris.
Weekly:
- Thoroughly clean windows, doors, and light switches with disinfectant solution.
- Dust all surfaces, including shelves, frames, and decorations.
- Clean and disinfect office chairs and furniture.
- Deep clean carpets or mop hard floors.
- Inspect and sanitise air vents / air systems.
Monthly:
- Deep clean reception area upholstery, such as chairs and couches.
- Inspect and replace air filters as needed.
- Clean and disinfect electronic devices, such as phones and tablets.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of all surfaces for signs of wear or damage and address accordingly.
- Review and update cleaning protocols based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Patient Rooms Cleaning Checklist
Daily:
- Disinfect examination tables, chairs, and other furniture between patient visits.
- Clean and sanitise medical instruments and equipment, including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers, following manufacturer's guidelines.
- Replace disposable items, such as paper covers or gloves, as needed.
- Empty and sanitise biohazard waste containers. Restock once cleaned.
- Ensure ample stock of hand hygiene supplies, such as hand sanitiser and soap.
Weekly:
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and light switches.
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers inside patient rooms.
- Launder curtains, drapes, and other fabric items.
- Inspect and sanitise medical equipment, such as exam lights and diagnostic tools.
- Deep clean floors and baseboards.
Monthly:
- Inspect and clean medical waste disposal areas.
- Clean and disinfect patient room electronics, such as monitors and keyboards.
- Check expiration dates on medical supplies and dispose of any expired items.
- Review and update patient room cleaning protocols as needed.
- Conduct staff training on proper cleaning procedures and infection control measures.
GP Waiting Room Cleaning Checklist
Daily:
- Disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including armrests, tables, and magazines.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove debris.
- Empty and sanitise trash bins.
- Ensure hand hygiene stations are fully stocked and accessible.
- Wipe down toys or reading materials with disinfectant wipes.
Weekly:
- Deep clean upholstery and seating areas.
- Dust all surfaces, including windowsills and decorations.
- Clean and disinfect floor mats or rugs.
- Inspect and sanitise vents and air filters.
- Clean and sanitise waiting room restrooms thoroughly.
Monthly:
- Inspect and clean waiting room windows and doors.
- Deep clean floors and carpets.
- Evaluate waiting room layout for optimal traffic flow and cleanliness.
- Review and update waiting room cleaning protocols based on feedback and observations.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of all waiting room amenities and replace or repair as needed.
Leave it to the healthcare cleaning experts.
Taking on such an extensive list of cleaning activities could put a huge strain on your staff who are focused on fulfilling their current jobs. Outsourcing to a commercial cleaning company like us can help!
Lower costs
A clean environment with regular sanitisation services can reduce the number of staff sick days. When the premises is cleaned regularly at a professional level, it will reduce risk of bacteria and viruses in the workplace. Thus, saving money on sick days paid. Also, did you know that hiring in-house cleaners is estimated to be 23% more expensive than contract cleaning services. Hiring a contract company will keep costs to a minimum and removes HR implications.
Create a positive brand image
The physical transformation a commercial cleaning company can provide is surprising. Research has previously shown that patients will look to join a different medical practice is their existing one is unclean. Patients could give a positive review if they have a good, clean, comfortable experience at your practice. They could then pass this on to friends and family, thereby increasing patient and client numbers.
Improve staff productivity.
Most people simply don’t enjoy cleaning. If you ask your staff to clean before or after their shift, it will be affective on their morale. Outsourcing a commercial company to fulfil the cleaning standards and procedures, allows your staff to focus on their patients and care. It avoids the need for staff to spend time cleaning on top of regular duties and care.
Quality Healthcare cleaning services with Jani-King
Jani-King understands the importance of hygiene for the safety of patients and employees within healthcare situations. We promise to go above and beyond at every visit, helping minimise any potential threat, particularly in the presence of vulnerable patients. Our flexible cleaning hours can meet the needs of your practice and work around you. As a globally recognised cleaning company who have been serving hospitals and GP surgeries for over 50 years, you can rest assured we will only deliver the best cleaning services within your facility.
Discover Jani-king’s healthcare cleaning services and speak to a member of the team to get a quote.