New cleaning standards applied to all healthcare settings

The National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021 apply to all healthcare settings, regardless of the way cleaning services are provided.

They provide a common understanding of what it means to be a clean healthcare setting and give healthcare organisations in England a framework for detailing the cleaning responsibilities and frequencies. Also, they detail how ‘technical’ cleanliness and the “efficacy” of the cleaning process should be assessed.

How did we implement the new standards?

NHSPS’ approach was to deliver the new cleaning standards in a consistent manner. We made sure we all mandatory elements were implemented whilst also taking into consideration the specific needs and requirements of each customer by engaging with them throughout the process. 

Throughout November and December 2021, NHSPS undertook briefing sessions and training with Facilities Services delivery teams on the components of the new standards and mapped all functional areas against the new Functional Risk (FR) categories, on a like-for-like basis.

This approach ensured consistency across our entire portfolio whilst maintaining the appropriate level of cleanliness which keep our cleaning services compliant and customers’ environments, safe for healthcare providers, patients and visitors.

In line with NHSE/I implementation timescales, the new cleaning standards were implemented across all acute and mental health trusts in our portfolio by 1 May 2022 and across all other primary healthcare settings as of 1 November 2022.

We would like to thank all our customers for collaborating with NHSPS throughout this process. Without your engagement we could not of achieved the mandated timelines as set out by NHSE/I.

Find out more about how we maintain healthcare environments.

In the meantime, please contact the Customer Support Centre or your local Facilities Service Manager if you have any questions.

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