CQC Guidelines
Care homes need to stay up-to-date with CQC guidelines. Following these guidelines will make care homes as safe as possible for both staff and residents.
As restrictions begin to lift, it’s important to revisit the CQC guidelines and look at your own policies to ensure that things like infection control procedures are being followed. We have put together some of the main guidelines so you can support staff in implementing best practice.
Use of PPE
Personal protective equipment should be worn to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The CQC recommends separate areas for donning and doffing PPE, and staff should follow these guidelines.
The disposal of PPE should be managed carefully to avoid microorganisms being spread, and good handwashing regimes should be in place.
The Management of the Building
There should be a cleaning schedule for the entire building, including residents bedrooms and bathrooms. A designated lead will have designed a form of zoning (such as colour coding) which help staff know the level of cleaning required for both rooms and equipment.
Remember, harmful pathogens can live on surfaces for a while, so you must follow a cleaning schedule that includes high touch areas. Light switches, computer laptops and door handles must be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of infection outbreaks.
Waste Disposal
Bedpans and commodes carry a high risk of infection. Bodily waste can contain viruses and bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. If reusable bedpans and urinals are not cleaned and sterilised correctly, both staff and residents are being put at risk.
The CQC recommends using bedpan washer disinfectors to ensure that these items are thoroughly cleaned and are safe to use again.
Bedpan Washers
Dekomed’s bedpan washer disinfectors can hold 2 bedpans and 4 urine bottles simultaneously. Not only can we guarantee these items will be safely cleaned and disinfected, you will also find you have more time. Staff no longer have to wash bedpans manually, which takes longer and also put them at risk.
Our bedpan washer disinfectors are efficient and versatile. Inside, the shelf can be used to wash kidney bowls, toilet seats and toilet brushes. They have 3 rotating and 8 fixed spray jets meaning all surface and crevices will be cleaned. You can rest assured knowing your reusable items are safe and ready to use after each clean.
Visitor Risks
Now visitors are entering care homes again, it’s vital that you follow the correct procedures. Visitors pose a serious threat to any healthcare setting because they do not know or follow the same strict hygiene rules.
You must communicate with visitors what your procedures are, so they follow good hand hygiene and other essential protocols.
CQC Guidance
For the complete CQC guidance, including all mandatory questions asked during an inspection, click here.
Let Dekomed Help
If you feel it is time to level up your infection control procedures, we can definitely help. Our bedpan washer disinfectors will save you time, money and worry. They reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and because items are cleaned in a contained unit.
When you choose Dekomed, you are not just buying a product. You will also be able to use our expertise. We can help you find the right place for your bedpan washer, install it correctly and provide an after-care service to keep the machine performing optimally for years to come.
Get in touch, and we can help you find the perfect washer disinfector.