Top 10 Tips for Cleaning Doctors’ Surgeries to CQC Standards

Among our many specialist cleaning services, Wixted Cleaning also provide commercial cleaning of GP surgeries and other NHS and private medical premises.

The regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining cleaning and hygiene standards across the UK medical sector is called the CQC – the Care Quality Commission.

It is important that if you work in, own or operate a medical facility, your cleaners are aware of and compliant with the CQC guidelines on cleaning.

Cleaning of GP surgeries to CQC standards in the UK

In this article, we offer our general advice on cleaning GP surgery premises, explaining why maintaining high levels of cleanliness and hygiene in doctors’ surgeries is crucial to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Here are our suggested 10 best practices for commercial cleaning of doctors’ surgeries in line with CQC standards.

1. Identify high-risk areas

Commercial cleaning of doctors’ surgeries should focus on areas that are high-risk for spreading infections, such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, and bathrooms.

Waiting rooms should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, and high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, chairs and tables should be wiped down frequently.

As well as cleaning and disinfecting after each patient visit, consulting room cleaning should include surfaces such as examination tables, medical equipment and door handles. Toilets should be cleaned regularly, and all surfaces, including toilets, sinks, and door handles, should be disinfected.

“Wixted Cleaning are always professional and knowledgeable about our surgery’s cleaning requirements. They are helpful and supportive with any concerns raised, and always resolve any issues promptly. We’d highly recommend them!”

PRACTICE MANAGER, MARSTON FOREST HEALTHCARE

2. Use appropriate cleaning products

It’s essential to use appropriate cleaning products when cleaning doctors’ surgeries.

The cleaning products should be effective in killing germs and viruses while also being safe for use around patients and staff. Cleaning products should be approved and registered as effective against viruses and bacteria.

Cleaning operatives must also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning products to ensure that they are used correctly.

3. Follow a cleaning schedule

To ensure that GP surgeries are always clean and hygienic, cleaners should follow a regular cleaning schedule. Cleaning should be done daily, with a particular focus on waiting rooms and toilets. Examination rooms should be cleaned and disinfected daily.

Having a cleaning schedule in place ensures that all areas of the surgery are cleaned regularly so that the risk of infection and disease can be reduced.

4. Carry out proper staff training

Commercial cleaners working on GP surgeries must be properly trained, and this training should include infection control procedures as well as the use of appropriate cleaning products, processes and cleaning techniques.

Regular training updates should be provided to ensure that staff are up-to-date with the latest cleaning practices and procedures.

“We took out a contract with Wixted Cleaning in 2022, and we’ve had no concerns at all about cleaning standards.  We haven’t had a CQC inspection since Wixted started, but they are fulfilling everything we know to be necessary.”

PRACTICE MANAGER, WEST STREET SURGERY

5. Use colour-coded cleaning supplies

To prevent cross-contamination, GP surgery cleaners should use colour-coded cleaning supplies. For example, yellow cloths can be used for cleaning surfaces like counters and tables in medical rooms, blue for cleaning general office and communal areas and red for cleaning toilets and washroom areas.

This system ensures that the same cloth is not used in multiple areas, thus avoiding the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.

6. Focus on touchpoints

Touchpoints are surfaces that are frequently touched by patients and staff, such as doorknobs, light switches and lift buttons.

These areas should be cleaned and disinfected frequently to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. In addition, waiting rooms should have hand sanitizer available for patients and staff to use, and signs should be displayed encouraging hand hygiene.

7. Use proper waste management procedures

GPs’ surgeries generate a significant amount of medical waste, including contaminated materials and biohazardous waste.

Cleaners working at GP surgeries should have proper waste management procedures in place to ensure that all medical waste is safely disposed of. This includes using designated waste bins and disposing of waste according to local authority regulations.

8. Follow infection control guidelines

Infection control guidelines should be followed to prevent the spread of infection and disease. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks when cleaning and handling medical waste.

Staff should also be trained on proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

9. Document cleaning procedures

It is important that commercial cleaning companies working on GP surgery contracts document their cleaning procedures to ensure that they are consistent and effective.

This documentation should include the cleaning schedule, the products used and the cleaning techniques employed. The documentation should also include information about the staff involved in the cleaning process and their training.

This documentation can be used to track cleaning performance and to identify areas that need improvement.

“Wixted Cleaning have provided our cleaning services for two years since being recommended by another GP Practice. We have a very good working relationship with the whole team from our cleaner to the contracts manager, who are always willing to help.  They provide a great quality service to a high standard and are always willing to resolve any issues.”

PRACTICE MANAGER, GARDENIA AND MARSH FARM PRACTICE

10. Conduct regular inspections

Regular inspections of the GP surgery must be conducted by senior management or other experienced individuals to ensure that cleaning standards meet CQC requirements.

The inspection should include a review of the cleaning documentation and an assessment of the cleanliness of the surgery. Any areas of concern should be identified, and corrective actions should be taken to address them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commercial cleaning of doctors’ surgeries in the UK requires strict adherence to best practices and guidelines to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.

Key practices include identifying high-risk areas, using appropriate cleaning products, following a cleaning schedule, training cleaning staff, using colour-coded cleaning supplies, focusing on touchpoints, proper waste management, following infection control guidelines, documenting cleaning procedures, and conducting regular inspections.

By following these best practices in line with CQC standards, commercial cleaning companies can ensure that doctors’ surgeries are clean, hygienic, and safe for everyone.