The Annual Deep Clean is the latest buzz that my antennae have picked up. Not before time, too, by the look of things!

But the thought occurs, what will be biomeds be doing during this period of "all hands to the pump"? Better start getting some extra policies and procedures written up, people!

Probably annual maintenance on equipment, here electric beds are treated like gold dust, the rumour was that when a patient got onto an electric bed it was still warm from the last patient! (obviously this was theoretical since the bed had been deep cleaned and prepared between patients)

Now they've bought new steam cleaners and the beds are taken away and steam cleaned. It does mean that it's now easier to get to a bed to service it, but the downside is that all lubrication is removed and we've noticed the plastic covers perishing. So now we can say our beds are Squeaky clean!

That is sounding very much like GCSE Rocket Science to me!!
Stop infections by keeping everything clean..... hhhhmmmmmmmmm

page 45 of the ``Read the findings``pdf in the BBC link makes particulary infectious reading on the maintenance and replacement regime of non-EBME equipment, ie Bed Pan washers. The complete report makes a case for total outsourcing of this NHS Trust, then the Contractor would be accountable directly to the Health Care Commission, not the taxpayer. This is because " National Minimum Standards for Regulations for Independent Healthcare " 2002 would apply. Theses are rigoursly enforced by the HCC.
C18.1 Equipment is installed, checked and serviced in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
C18.2 Equipment is not modified unless the manufacturer’s advice.
C18.3 All equipment conforms to current health and safety regulations and, where appropriate, there is a planned preventive maintenance and replacement programme.
OUTCOME
Patients receive treatment using equipment and supplies that are safe and in good condition.
CORE STANDARDS
C18.4 Records are kept of the maintenance and servicing of all equipment.

Thanks for that, reaper. Can we assume that you've found the time to wade through the complete report? If so, well done! Are those (good) clauses you cite a quote from the report, or from the HCC?

You see, you've got the advantage over me here, Mate. I'm not sure that I know what the Health Care Commission is! Care to enlighten us (me) on that one?

So, are we saying that there's a mechanism in place whereby a failing (failed) NHS Trust can be placed into private hands, or am I simply indulging in a bit of wishful thinking here?

Wow and we all know what outsourcing does for you, just ask a Potter Bar train crash survivor. Now I thought it was agreed the best solution was to keep it in house. Changed their mind now have they?

Got it now, Mate!


England only, then? Wonder how its funded? Remember the old maxim, about (when you want to know who benefits) "always follow the money"?

So, on the face of it then, any or all NHS Trusts could be contractors overseen by, and accountable to, the HCC? H'mmm. Food for thought, there, then.

Does anyone know which body controls infection control for the NHS and how it is organised at a trust level? Any advice would be much appreciated

Here's a start, John. Looks like you've only got until the end of March (2008, presumably). And it's all being funded by new money (whatever that means)!

Thanks Geoff
Tight timescale!!
However I would really like to know who manages infection control at trust level especially on an ongoing basis. For example, when a theatre manager purchases an item of equipment, do infection control get involved in the procurement proess or are there guidelines to follow.