Cleaning and hygiene in general practice are non-negotiable aspects of care delivery. Beyond being a basic expectation, maintaining a clean environment directly impacts patient safety, staff wellbeing, and the overall quality of care. While it’s tempting to think of cleaning as just a tick-box exercise, recent reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) show how lapses in this area can have significant consequences.
Why Cleaning is Critical in Practice Care
A clean practice is about more than appearances—it’s about infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for patients and staff alike. Practices have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that high standards of cleanliness are maintained, regardless of whether they use an external cleaning company or employ in-house cleaners.
What Recent CQC Reports Highlight
In the past year, several CQC inspection reports have raised concerns about cleanliness and hygiene in practices:
•Inspection Example 1: A practice received a “Requires Improvement” rating after inspectors found dust accumulation on high surfaces in clinical areas and evidence of incomplete cleaning schedules. This lack of oversight raised infection control risks and undermined patient trust.
•Inspection Example 2: Another practice was flagged because their external cleaning contractor had failed to meet the agreed standards, and the practice had no clear process for addressing the issue. The responsibility for ensuring cleanliness ultimately lay with the practice, and their inability to hold the cleaning company accountable impacted their compliance rating.
•Inspection Example 3: A practice employing in-house cleaners was commended for its detailed cleaning protocols and regular audits. However, even in this case, gaps were identified in the storage of cleaning equipment, showing that even proactive practices must regularly review their processes.
The Practice’s Responsibility
The CQC is clear: regardless of whether a practice uses an external cleaning company or employs internal staff, the ultimate responsibility for cleanliness rests with the practice. It’s vital that practices:
1.Have clear cleaning schedules and protocols: These should outline which areas are cleaned, how often, and by whom.
2.Conduct regular audits: Ensure that standards are being met through documented audits that can be presented during inspections.
3.Hold external contractors accountable: If using an external cleaning company, practices must monitor their performance and address any issues promptly.
4.Train all staff: Staff should be aware of basic hygiene and infection control protocols to support the wider cleaning effort.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Cleaning Standards
1.Use a Cleaning Audit: Our latest Cleaning Audit is designed to help practices ensure that cleaning standards meet regulatory requirements. It provides a structured approach to reviewing the effectiveness of cleaning practices and identifying areas for improvement.
2.Set Clear Expectations with Contractors: If you use an external cleaning company, make sure you have a detailed contract outlining expectations, standards, and reporting requirements. Include periodic reviews to address performance issues.
3.Engage the Whole Team: Cleaning isn’t just the responsibility of the cleaners. All staff should play a part in maintaining a hygienic environment, from tidying workspaces to reporting issues.
4.Document Everything: Keep records of cleaning schedules, audits, and corrective actions. This documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance during a CQC inspection.
Taking Control of Cleaning
Cleaning may seem like a behind-the-scenes task, but its impact is felt throughout the practice. It affects everything from infection control to patient satisfaction to your overall CQC rating. By taking ownership of this critical area, practices can ensure they’re not only meeting but exceeding expectations.
If you haven’t already, download our Cleaning Audit to get started. It’s a practical tool designed to help you assess, document, and improve your cleaning processes—whether you’re using an external contractor or an in-house team.
Remember: cleanliness is the foundation of good governance and patient care. Let’s make sure it’s never overlooked.
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Direct Audit Link: https://club.hcqc.co.uk/c/self-audits/sections/442844/lessons/1653570