Discharge Vacancy Room Cleaning Regular Patient Resident Room or Bed Space

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to cleaning vacant patient rooms or bed spaces in healthcare settings. It aligns with best practices for environmental cleaning to prevent and control infections. Following these steps ensures a thorough cleaning process that meets health standards and promotes a safe environment for future patients.

Step 1: Prepare for Cleaning

• Gather necessary cleaning supplies:
  • Disinfectants approved for healthcare use
  • Cleaning cloths or mops
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks
• Ensure you have clear access to the room. Remove any obstacles that may hinder the cleaning process.

Step 2: Conduct a Visual Inspection

• Before starting, perform a thorough visual inspection of the room:
  • Look for any visible dirt, stains, or spills.
  • Check for any items that need to be disposed of or removed.
• Take note of high-touch surfaces that require special attention.

Step 3: Remove Waste and Linens

• Safely dispose of all waste materials:
  • Use appropriate waste containers for biohazardous waste.
  • Ensure that all waste is sealed properly before disposal.
• Remove any used linens and place them in designated laundry bins.

Step 4: Clean Surfaces

• Start cleaning from the highest surfaces and work your way down:
  • Dust and wipe down light fixtures, shelves, and furniture.
  • Pay special attention to high-touch areas:
    • Doorknobs
    • Light switches
    • Bed rails
    • Hand sanitizers
• Use a damp cloth for surfaces to remove dust and debris effectively.

Step 5: Disinfect Surfaces

• Apply disinfectant to all surfaces as per the manufacturer's instructions:
  • Allow adequate contact time for the disinfectant to be effective.
  • Use a fresh, clean cloth or disposable wipes for disinfecting.
• Focus on high-touch areas to minimize the risk of infection.

Step 6: Floor Cleaning

• Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.
• Mop the floor using a disinfectant solution:
  • Start from the farthest corner of the room and work toward the exit.
  • Ensure the floor is cleaned according to the recommended protocol.

Step 7: Final Inspection

• Conduct a final walkthrough of the room:
  • Ensure that all areas have been cleaned and disinfected.
  • Check for any missed spots or areas that require additional attention.
• Replace any necessary items, such as new linens or toiletries, before the room is ready for the next patient.

Conclusion

Effective cleaning of vacant patient rooms is crucial for infection prevention and control. By following these steps, you can ensure a safe and hygienic environment for future occupants. For further training and resources, consider referring to the Environmental Cleaning Toolkit provided by Public Health Ontario. Remember to stay updated with the latest best practices in environmental cleaning for healthcare settings.