The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has cleaned up in a national independent review of cleanliness standards – where the work in this area has been recognised as exemplary.
Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital has been chosen to join the NHS Exemplar Trusts Programme for Cleaning in recognition of the efforts and dedication in maintaining high cleaning standards.
To receive this accolade, the Facilities team had to submit an application, providing evidence against a checklist of criteria outlined by NHS England, as well as a site visit from a team of representatives.
Martine Williams, Facilities Manager, said: “We’re so pleased to have been chosen as an exemplar site. This is a true testament to the hard work of the team, and the journey we’ve been on across the Trust.
“This award isn’t just for the Cleanliness Team – it recognises a shared commitment in fostering a culture of cleanliness across the Trust and involved Estates, Infection Prevention and Control and nursing, to name a few.”
Phil Davies, Head of Estates and Facilities, said: “We received fantastic feedback from NHS England – especially the use of Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) as a learning tool, where we listen to the views of patient assessors, who examine our environment, to drive continuous improvement.
“We have also embedded and implemented the National Standards of Cleanliness across the organisation, as well as utilising the input of a multidisciplinary working group to steer improvements.”
Receiving Exemplar Trust status will mean the Cleanliness Team at the Oswestry-based hospital will work closely with other Exemplar Trusts and the NHS England Team to drive continuous improvement and innovation. This could involve piloting new initiatives or providing feedback on guidance.
Paul Kavanagh-Fields, Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our Cleanliness Team, who are no strangers to praise with our wards and rooms being rated the cleanest in the country for four years in a row in the Adult Inpatient Survey.”
“They work so hard to support in delivering excellent care for our patients and should be very proud of themselves.”
