Making the case for additional cost-effective hand washing facilities
Guidance changes in place in the UK from 3 April 2023 as a COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social could mean a review of existing infection control measures in place at care homes. This update with proposed new legislation states that that there should not be any restrictions on visits for individuals who are not symptomatic or who have not tested positive in any circumstance.
It is a positive move after the past COVID-19 restrictions, but it might increase the risk to residents and staff with increased number of visitors and the Summary of Changes does cover possible mask wearing and following IPC measures such as hand hygiene. This is specifically covered for care workers and staff under the Guidance: Infection prevention and control: quick guide for care workers published 31 March 2022.
Maintaining standards despite increased visitor numbers.
The focus on infection control by the care homes has been a major focus and now looking ahead, with more visits, keeping this control will be vital to stop further infections from variants or from the usual challenges from influenza and norovirus.
To address this, it might be that care homes can follow the path of some NHS hospitals by adding additional portable hand washing facilities in reception areas and common meeting or corridor areas.
Chris Whieldon, sales director of Teal Patents Ltd, discusses how the use of portable sinks and basins has helped the NHS control infection outbreaks and support facilities maintenance.
”From the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, effective hygienic hand washing has been at the core of infection control. We continue to supply NHS hospitals throughout the UK as they have recognised that the tactical use of portable sinks is now becoming accepted as a simple, and easy to use solution, to ensure hand washing is carried out by staff and by visitors.”
The Teal range of portable sinks will be displayed at the Care Show on Stand F21 at the NEC Birmingham on November 11th – 12th.
The sinks can be placed exactly where needed offering highly effective and hygienic hot water handwashing with running water no matter where they are. No plumbing is required so can be placed at an entrance or in a reception area specifically for the use of visitors.
Guidance: Infection prevention and control: quick guide for care workers »
Mobile hand washing units for care homes and home care »
The units can provide back-up support for existing hand washing facilities, can be used in rest areas for residents, or in reception hallways for visitors and staff.
Images (above) show Teal’s new CliniWash (top) and the Hygienius ProWash mobile hand washing stations. Wheel it to anywhere it’s needed!
Hire handwash stations online »
They are easy to use and as they can be placed at point of need are ideal for residents, who may have restricted mobility, allowing them to have access to warm water in their own rooms.