NHS boss sees that Green means Clean at Broomfield Hospital
David Nicholson-NHS CEO
Green Means Clean at Broomfield
David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS, learned more about the innovative Green Ribbon hospital cleanliness project during a recent visit to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
Patients have visible reassurance that their bed area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected because a green ribbon around the bed proves that rigorous hygiene procedures have been followed.
Between the discharge of one patient and the admission of another, the nursing staff thoroughly clean the bed space, including the furniture and making the bed. When this has been done, they place the green Vernacare Indicator tape across the turned down top sheet on the bed - sealing the tape, then adding their signature and date of the clean.
The new initiative was piloted on the vascular ward, B7, at Broomfield Hospital and has since become standard practice on all surgical wards. It is now being introduced to medical wards across the hospital and it is hoped it will be rolled out at the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals.
Mr Tom Browne, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, said:" Hospital cleanliness, and reducing hospital acquired infections, such as MRSA, are top priorities for the Trust and this simple idea is helping to create a cleanliness culture at the hospital. This initiative demonstrates to the patient that their bed space has been thoroughly cleaned for their benefit. It is the patient's responsibility to break the seal on the tape that has been placed around the top sheet before they use it. It is very similar to what is expected in hotels when a new guest arrives. As it is the responsibility of the person who made the bed to sign the tape to say it is clean, this gives them a sense of pride in their work and reassures our patients.
This new initiative is part of a cleanliness action plan by the Trust, which over the past 12 months reduced outbreaks of C. Diff by 43% and cut MRSA by 25%. The Trust, which was the first in the UK to introduce pre-operative MRSA screening, is investing £900,000 in cleaning and has also appointed a nurse consultant to oversee infection prevention with the hospitals.
The Vernaclean Indicator was developed by medical products manufacturer Vernacare to support hospitals in achieving NHS Standards for Better Health.
Feedback from hospitals shows that it is assuring patients of good standards of hygiene and providing 'visible evidence of best practice occurring'.
The Indicator tape can be placed across a variety of equipment after cleaning to reassure both patients and staff that satisfactory hygiene standards have been achieved. In this way it helps to reduce the risk of infection and improves cleaning compliance.
It is typically used on commodes, drip stands, beds, hoists, wheelchairs, trolleys, baths, toilets, lockers and walking aids, but its flexible design means it can be used on many other items of hospital equipment.
The Vernaclean Indicator is available from NHS Supplies, product code FSE113 and Vernacare direct quote ECI02.
For a free sample of the Vernaclean Indicator call 01204 555999, or email vcorders@vernagroup.com
