The topic of hospital cleanliness has been widely studied for decades with the earliest findings being published by Florence Nightingale in 1859.
Referenced as the founder of modern nursing, her pioneering work during the Crimean War revolutionised hospital sanitisation in the UK for the years to come. Her book, Notes on Hospitals, gave evidence that improving hospital cleanliness and sanitation could prevent the spread of infections and is widely considered an influencing factor in developing the protocols in place today.
More than 165 years later, countless studies have been published reviewing protocols and laying out best practice. At Uniwipe, we understand the importance of infection prevention within the NHS and we’re committed to aligning our medical grade clinical wipes to the latest standards.
Research around hospital cleanliness
In 2020, the Journal of Hospital Infection published a study which took a deep dive into how environmental cleanliness impacts infection rates. The study found that high touch-surfaces such as door handles and bed rails are difficult to clean and key in the spread of infections. It was also highlighted that cleaning processes are often overlooked due to staff shortages, changes and inconsistencies with staff training.
These findings were supported by NHS England’s publishing of the Infection Prevention and Control Education Framework report in 2023. The framework highlighted behavioural changes needed to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across healthcare settings.
The report honed in on IPC cleaning protocols for hospital wards and signalled wards as a key area in spreading healthcare-associated infections due to the high volume of high-touch surfaces, multi-use equipment and footfall. Consistency in staff training and ongoing refreshers was stipulated to improve and maintain ward hygiene standards.
The framework was further complimented by the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual which provided comprehensive guidelines for preventing infection spread. It shared evidence-based cleaning protocols to ensure IPC compliance to safeguard the health of both patients and staff.
These examples only begin to highlight the extensive research into NHS ward cleanliness. The key takeaway is clear: maintaining hygiene is essential for reducing infections. Central to this effort are reliable cleaning supplies and processes – and the Uniwipe clinical range provides the ideal solution.
Key areas to tackle in ward disinfection
Efficient cleaning protocols are essential to maintaining a safe and sterile environment for both patients and staff.
High contact areas are frequently pointed out in the wide catalogue of studies out there – here are some to consider when cleaning wards including commonly missed areas:
- Handrails and bed rails
- Door handles and push pads
- Entry buttons and keypads
- Phone intercom systems
- Reception desks
- Pens
- Communal sinks, taps and waste bins
- Light switches
- IV stands
- Monitoring devices
- Infusion pumps
- Waiting room chairs and tables
- Communal wheelchairs
- Vending machine touch pads
With many surfaces to tackle, our alcohol free and dual action wipes are designed to evenly distribute our disinfecting formula to ensure mass coverage to kill germs and bacteria.
Cleaning supplies for NHS hospital wards
Our specially formulated wipes are a cost-effective and sustainable cleaning solution that are suitable for NHS environments, and are categorised in the Yellow Zone of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS).
Research has highlighted that NHS wards are key contributors to the spread of infection. Uniwipe’s Clinical 2-in-1 wipes are effective against killing 99.999% of bacteria and enveloped viruses, including Norovirus, Influenza A (H1N1),Herpes Simplex, Hepatitis C Virus and Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2.
We recommend using these in areas where cross-contamination is likely. They are antibacterial, effective against enveloped viruses, and work within 30 seconds of wiping. These wipes are available in packs of 200 and 360.
Our Multi-purpose wipes are made for cleaning low risk environments such as waiting areas. These wipes are available in packs of 200 and lend themselves as a robust cleaning solution to take on dust and dirt.
Cost-effective cleaning solutions for NHS hospital wards
With growing financial pressures facing the NHS, our wipes offer a cost-effective solution to keeping NHS wards hygiene-compliant. There’s no need to wear gloves when using, which contributes to PPE cost savings and helps reduce the wastage of single-use gloves.
All our wipes are UK manufactured, which leads to a seamless buying process from order through to delivery for our NHS customers. Removing the reliance on international imports, we avoid the impact of supply chain delays and lead times to help reduce financial burdens across various organisations.
How to buy Uniwipe products for NHS hospitals
Uniwipe products can be purchased directly through the NHS Supply Chain Catalogue. However, our UK Business Development Executive (NHS), Claire Atkin, is available to walk you through the process and explore your options.
You can get in touch with her through this web form to set up a no commitment conversation.
