THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT, MEDICAL CLEANING SERVICES ARE MORE COMPLEX
The cleaning and maintenance of medical facilities is far more complex than standard office cleaning. Whether you manage Medical Offices, Urgent Care centers, Clinics or Physician’s Offices, you need expertise that goes beyond the basics.
If your medical janitorial service only provides superficial cleaning, they may contribute to the spread of colds, flus and respiratory illnesses. Worse, poor cleaning can lead to serious complications and even death. In Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Surgical Centers or Dialysis Centers, the stakes are even higher.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect up to 2 million people annually. Over one-third of these infections could be prevented with proper cleaning and infection control. You deserve a medical cleaning partner who understands your industry and follows the complex requirements that govern it.
HEALTHCARE CLEANING REQUIRES UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF CLEAN
Cleaning is not as simple as it seems. Anyone can empty trash or dust a desk, but medical cleaning requires deeper knowledge. Medical janitorial services demand an understanding of aseptic cleaning and the differences between clean, aseptic and sterile.
Cleaning teams in healthcare settings must be trained in:
- Aseptic technique to stop pathogens from spreading
- Proper use of disinfectants, sanitizers and detergents
- Critical vs. non-critical cleaning
- Correct disinfecting protocols and dwell times
- When to use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Your medical cleaning company must also use EPA-approved, hospital-grade disinfectants. Terminal cleaning is another critical step. When done correctly, it reduces microorganisms on high-touch surfaces like light switches, tables, phones, railings and remote controls.
INDUSTRY REGULATIONS ADD EVEN MORE COMPLEXITY
Medical facilities must meet strict standards such as HCAHPS, CDC guidelines and AORN recommendations. Your cleaning provider plays a major role in patient safety, confidence and HCAHPS scores.
Cleanliness is a graded item on HCAHPS surveys. Poor cleaning can lower scores, reduce reimbursements and damage your reputation. At the same time, HAIs create concerns for patients, their families and healthcare workers.
Furthermore, you must ensure your cleaning company understands compliance requirements such as:
- HIPPA and OSHA
- CDC recommendations
- AORN standards
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training
These rules exist to protect patients, workers and your facility. Your Michigan medical cleaning company must take them seriously.
CIMS HELPS YOU FIND A MEDICAL CLEANING PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST
As a Facility Manager, you need a janitorial services company that helps your healthcare facility operate safely and efficiently. The CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) certification identifies companies that meet high standards of professionalism and compliance.
CIMS certification shows a company is committed to:
- Industry best practices
- Strong training programs
- Responsive communication
- Proven processes and consistency
For medical facilities, CIMS helps narrow your search to qualified companies that can handle complex healthcare environments. CIMS certification gives you a shortcut to identifying reliable providers and avoiding companies that are not ready for the challenges of medical cleaning.
A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH IS WITHIN REACH
The cleaning industry is crowded, but not every company is equipped for healthcare environments. Your first step is recognizing that medical facilities require more than standard janitorial service. Next, look for companies committed to safety, compliance and best practices.
The right partner will help your facility stay clean, safe and fully compliant—protecting your patients, staff and reputation.
