Cleaning and Decontamination
Infection control is a top priority within pressure care for both patients and healthcare professionals. Many organisations from the NHS Acute to Community Care settings are introducing a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections such as MRSA and Cdiff.
Users of pressure care equipment are often some of the most vulnerable. It is therefore vitally important to follow a strict policy of cleaning and decontamination to prevent any possible cross contamination between users of pressure care equipment. It is for this reason that we only advocate single patient use of dynamic mattresses and pressure cushions.
We can tailor make a flexible collection and delivery, cleaning and decontamination package to suit your needs.
At Select Medical, we have a dedicated service centre based in Blackburn for the cleaning and decontamination of pressure care products. We can offer this as a stand alone service to clients. Everything is documented and is in accordance with our quality management system, UKAS accredited ISO 9001 standard, which is continually reassessed and improved upon to keep ahead of current legislation.
Safety is always our top priority. Our vans are lined with washable, antibacterial products to further prevent any possible spread of infection. Equipment is processed through our laundry using automatic electronic dosing systems; machine washing is conducted at 71°C. Manual cleaning is completed across stainless steel tables using a 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite solution. All elements of equipment are thoroughly dried and repacked before being delivered in sealed, clear polyurethane bags complete with decontamination certificate. Rented equipment is always delivered and installed by our qualified service technicians.
We are proud of our pressure mattress repair and cleaning/decontamination facilities and would be delighted to show you around our Service Centre in Blackburn giving you the opportunity to witness our thorough cleaning methods.
For further information on our cleaning or decontamination services, or to arrange to visit our facilities, please call us on 01254 66 88 99 or email info@selectmedical.co.uk
Cleaning dynamic mattress replacement and overlay systems
We are often asked by our customers how equipment should be cleaned during use. The following guidelines will help maintain infection control procedures for our dynamic pressure relieving mattress overlay and replacement systems, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
Note - Before undertaking cleaning, we recommend that you wear suitable protective clothing. Always ensure that the mains power supply to the pump unit has been disconnected from the mains electricity supply before starting to clean.
Mattresses and Overlays
During general use the mattress and internal air cells may be wiped down using a cloth moistened with a mild detergent and water. Where there is staining or body fluids on the mattress, cells or tubing, wash thoroughly then wipe with a cloth impregnated with a solution of sodium hypochlorite diluted to 1000 PPM.
Where necessary, mattress covers can be removed for laundering at a temperature of 71°C. They can then be tumble dried on a low setting.
Pumps
For general cleaning, use a cloth moistened with a mild detergent and water. Follow this procedure by wiping with a cloth impregnated with a solution of sodium hypochlorite diluted to 1000 PPM (e.g. HAZ TABS 1 tablet to 1 litre of water).
NOTE
DO NOT use phenols, abrasive compounds or cleaning pads when cleaning mattresses or pumps.
Please Download our Cleaning Guide as a PDF.