We’ve known for some time now that the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness were going to receive an additional update following the publication of the updated guidance in April 2021. This was following the response from some primary care providers’ groups who felt that the Standards did not address the sector’s needs specifically enough. This was certainly a valid concern – the Standards have always previously been mandatory for acute Trusts, and so there was always going to be some parts of the documentation that would not be a comfortable fit for primary care. NHSE/I recognised and addressed those concerns by agreeing to issue an updated version of the new Standards.
I have been fortunate enough to view an early copy of the updated guidance and I am pleased to say it matches my expectations. There is now additional explanation of the technical side of compliance – FR categories have more relevant examples, the element inventory includes more objects that might be found in primary care, and some of the terms have been broken down further.
The most noteworthy element for me is that none of the mandatory requirements have changed. The goalposts have not been moved. What is expected of primary care now is exactly what was expected last April. Compliant cleaning specifications, Commitment to Cleanliness Charters and Star Rating certificates are all still going to feature for anyone providing NHS care or treatment in England and the deadline to implement these features is still 4th November. With this last shred of uncertainty now cleared up, hopefully primary care providers will receive the updated guidance and feel assured and confident in implementing these standards now, bringing in that standardised measure of excellence in cleanliness that I’m certain all patients will welcome.
To learn more about compliance, please visit our webpage.
