News

Health First's cleaning and disinfecting procedures span the entire Integrated Delivery Network (IDN), with special practices depending on each room or area's purpose.

The operating room (OR) has its own procedure for safeguarding the health of patients and care teams alike, in addition to the seven-step cleaning process outlined for all of Health First's four hospitals. Environmental services (EVS) are provided by Sodexo Healthcare.

Dan Bowen, Vice President and Hospital Administrator for Health First's Palm Bay Hospital, said he stresses to these associates that their job isn't just about keeping things clean and appealing to the eye - what they do is critical to preventing hospital-acquired infections.

"You're more than the task you perform," Bowen said he tells EVS associates. "The impact is big."

The seven-step cleaning process - which can be found in more detail by clicking this link - includes:

• Trash and linen removal
• High dusting using designated procedure
• Damp wiping using disinfectant solution
• Cleaning restroom
• Dust mopping
• Damp mopping
• Final check

ORs are cleaned after every surgical procedure by trained OR staff as well. There are specific disinfectants designated for cleaning environmental surfaces in the OR. The OR environment contains other sterilizers that should not be used by cleaning staff.

Additionally, surgical and invasive procedure rooms, as well as scrub/utility areas, are cleaned at the end of each day after scheduled procedures have been completed. If not, they must be cleaned every 24 hours during the work week. Unused rooms are cleaned once each 24-hour period during the regularly scheduled work week.

This is how the OR cleaning process works:

• Ensure area is adequately ventilated (if appropriate)
• Move all light furniture and equipment, except stationary items (if appropriate), to enable the task to be completed
• Prepare the Sodexo- and OR-approved disinfectant solution as directed
• Use both gloved hands to remove liners from waste receptacles, not allowing liners to touch the body
• Clean all receptacles using the disinfectant
• Insert new liners
• Use a cloth dampened with disinfectant solution and damp dust:
• Light
• Table
• Furniture
• Cabinets
• Fixtures
• Ledges
• Kick buckets
• Linen stands
• The OR table should be disassembled and cleaned with disinfectant
• Spot wash walls and wall vents with disinfectant solution
• Place hazard warning signs at the entrance of the room
• Mop the floor with disinfectant solution
• Using the wet mop or autoscrubber/scrubber-dryer, thoroughly clean floor with solution
• Use a wet vacuum or autoscrubber/scrubber-dryer to remove the solution
• Cleaning equipment should be disassembled, cleaned with the approved disinfectant and air dried before storage
• Equipment is cleaned to prevent the growth of microorganisms during storage and prevent subsequent contamination of the perioperative area
• Replace all furniture and equipment to its proper location
• Leave the hazard warning sign in place until the floor is dry and the final check inspection is complete
• Remove, clean and store hazard warning signs