Independent
Living Home > Legislation > Care Homes,
Services: Hygiene and Control of Infection
National Minimum Standards
Services: Hygiene and Control of Infection:
Department of Health - Care Homes for Older People
National Minimum Standards - Services: Hygiene and Control of Infection
STANDARD 26
26.1 The premises are kept clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours throughout and systems are in place to control the spread of infection, in accordance with relevant legislation and published professional guidance.
26.2 Laundry facilities are sited so that soiled articles, clothing and infected linen are not carried through areas where food is stored, prepared, cooked or eaten and do not intrude on service users.
26.3 Hand washing facilities are prominently sited in areas where infected material and/or clinical waste are being handled.
26.4 The laundry floor finishes are impermeable and these and wall finishes are readily cleanable.
26.5 Policies and procedures for control of infection include the safe handling and disposal of clinical waste; dealing with spillages; provision of protective clothing; handwashing.
26.6 The home has a sluicing facility and, in care homes providing nursing, a sluicing disinfector.
26.7 Foul laundry is washed at appropriate temperatures (minimum 65° C for not less than 10 minutes) to thoroughly clean linen and control risk of infection.
26.8 Washing machines have the specified programming ability to meet disinfection standards.
26.9 Services and facilities comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
OUTCOME
The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic.
For more detailed information about legislation and standards, you can visit the Department of Health website, www.doh.gov.uk
