Environmental cleaning in the NHS since the NHS Plan: a policy and evidence based context

Purpose This paper examines the policy and guidance that was issued, either as a direct result of the NHS Plan, or part of a subsequent initiative, surrounding cleaning in the NHS. Design/methodology A literature review of the Department of Health and related agency websites was completed. In addition there was a literature of the relevant academic journals. Findings There is a growing evidence base on environmental cleaning in the NHS and more specifically the relationship between environmental cleaning and infection control. This paper has examined the contradiction in the evidence in the suspected correlation between infection control and environmental cleaning. However, one thing does appear to be consistent, is that a performance measure based on an observation (visual) assessment is not a sufficient tool to evaluate the environmental cleanliness of a hospital ward. Practical implications Whilst the clinical community recognise the contribution of environmental cleaning and the impact on healthcare, there needs to be more to be done to have the relevant studies published in the FM domain. Conversely there also needs to be work done to allow the FM community to have a "voice" in the infection control journals. The literature reviewed suggests that a usable technological solution is required to confirm satisfactory cleaning standards in healthcare facilities. Originality/value There is relatively little published work on the importance of cleaning to operations in the NHS, particularly in the FM domain.