healthcare textiles and laundry
healthcare textiles and laundry
By Gregory Gicewicz
Non-Compliance is a Non-Option : Don ’ t Let It Cripple Your Healthcare Laundry
In the realm of healthcare , attention to detail is paramount , as even the slightest negligence can have severe consequences . While patient care , medical procedures and sanitation protocols often dominate discussions on healthcare safety , one aspect that is often overlooked is healthcare laundry non-compliance . 1 Failure to adhere to proper laundry practices in healthcare settings poses significant dangers that can compromise patient health , staff safety , and overall hygiene standards . This article aims to shed light on the hidden risks associated with healthcare laundry non-compliance and emphasize the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in this critical area .
Infection Control Breach
Healthcare facilities generate vast amounts of contaminated linen and clothing , including hospital gowns , bed sheets , towels , and uniforms . 2 In addition , contaminated cubicle curtains , microfiber cleaning mops and wipes , reusable floor scrubber pads , and other environmental cleaning products are generated . Improper handling and laundering of these items can lead to the spread of infectious diseases , posing a significant threat to patients , laundry workers , and healthcare workers alike . 3 Failure to comply with laundry protocols , such as inadequate separation of soiled and clean items , incorrect washing temperatures , or insufficient use of disinfectants , can allow pathogens to persist on textiles and contribute to the transmission of harmful bacteria , viruses , and fungi . 4
One of the most notorious pathogens is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ), which can survive for days on improperly cleaned textiles . 5 When these contaminated items come into contact with patients , surfaces , medical devices , or healthcare staff , they act as potential reservoirs for the transmission and acquisition of antibiotic-resistant infections . 6 This jeopardizes the effectiveness of antibiotics and heightens the risk of untreatable infections , leading to prolonged hospital stays , increased morbidity , and mortality rates . 7 Other dangerous pathogens that can be transmitted through non-compliant laundry practices include Clostridium difficile , vancomycin-resistant enterococci ( VRE ), and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria . 8
Cross-Contamination Hazards
Healthcare laundry non-compliance introduces the risk of cross-contamination , which occurs when clean items come into contact with contaminated ones . 9 For instance , if soiled linens are mixed with clean ones during transportation or storage , pathogens can easily transfer onto clean textiles , leading to the inadvertent spread of infectious agents throughout the facility . 10 Similarly , if healthcare staff members do not follow proper hand hygiene protocols after handling contaminated laundry , they can unwittingly contaminate their surroundings , patients , or other healthcare workers . 11
Cross-contamination can occur at various stages , including the handling of soiled items , sorting and separation , washing
and disinfection , drying , folding , loading , stacking , and storage . 12 Without proper segregation and adherence to laundry protocols , the risk of pathogens spreading throughout the facility increases significantly . This poses a serious threat to patients , especially those who are immunocompromised , undergoing surgery , or being treated for infectious diseases . It also puts healthcare workers at risk , as they may unknowingly come into contact with contaminated items , leading to potential illness and subsequent transmission to others . 13
Occupational Health and Safety
The dangers of healthcare laundry non-compliance extend beyond patient safety and infection control ; they also impact the health and safety of the healthcare workforce including laundry workers . 14 Staff responsible for handling soiled laundry are exposed to a range of hazards , including exposure to bodily fluids , chemical residues , and potential injuries from sharps or other hazardous materials inadvertently left in pockets . 15 Without appropriate training , personal protective equipment ( PPE ), and adherence to laundry guidelines , workers face an increased risk of accidents , injuries , and occupational illnesses . 16
Healthcare laundry staff are susceptible to dermatological issues , respiratory problems due to exposure to airborne contaminants , and musculoskeletal injuries resulting from repetitive movements and improper lifting techniques . 17 Furthermore , exposure to potentially infectious materials can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens , such as hepatitis B , hepatitis C , and HIV , if proper precautions are not taken . 18 Finally , a healthcare laundry contains large scale processing and environmental control equipment such as washers , dryers , compressors , boilers , ironers , folders , feeders , and separators . These machines must be maintained according to manufacturer standards and users must be trained regularly on safe operation or serious injury or death may occur .
Legal and Reputational Consequences
Non-compliance with healthcare laundry regulations can have legal and reputational repercussions for healthcare facilities . 19 Regulatory bodies , such as health departments and accreditation organizations , enforce stringent standards for healthcare laundry operations to protect patients and staff . Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines , penalties or loss of accreditation , damaging the institution ’ s reputation and patient trust . 20 Furthermore , public perception of a healthcare facility ’ s hygiene practices can have far-reaching consequences , affecting patient retention , attracting new patients , and even impacting partnerships with other healthcare organizations . 21
The importance of maintaining rigorous laundry compliance in healthcare settings cannot be overstated . The risks associated with healthcare laundry non-compliance encompass the spread of infections , the emergence of antibiotic resistance , cross-contamination hazards , and compromised occupational health and safety . 22 Healthcare facilities must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of robust laundry protocols , including proper
28 june 2023 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com