In this expert guide, we’ll highlight the three most important laundry equipment guidelines for hospices specialising in palliative care.
We understand how important it is for you to meet the key regulations and government standards when it comes to your laundry processes. That’s why this guide is here to help you not only meet regulation guidelines, but also provide the best services and maximise safety for extremely vulnerable residents receiving end of life care.
Focus 1: CQC Inspections
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent regulator established by the Health and Social Care Act 2008. They are responsible for inspecting care homes, including hospices and palliative care, across the UK and play a vital role in the development of regulations for care, which include best practices in your laundry room.
Key CQC Laundry Guidelines For Care Homes
When inspecting your hospice, the CQC expects to see a safe and sanitary environment with well cared for residents, who are as comfortable as they can be. They will check that laundry is carried out in accordance with the Health Technical Memoranda 01-04 (HTM 01-04) for laundry disinfection, which we’ll go into later on in the guide.
Top tips for staying CQC compliant:
- Focus on the five key questions the CQC always ask themselves during inspections: Is the establishment well-led? Safe? Effective? Caring? Responsive?
- Make following the HTM 01-04 guidelines a priority in your laundry rooms (see HTM 01-04 below).
- CQC representatives can arrive unannounced – be sure that you are always inspection-ready.
Focus 2: HTM 01-04
The Department of Health’s Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04 provides guidelines for the disinfection of linens in care and hospice settings.
Key HTM 01-04 Laundry Guidelines
Current laundry equipment guidelines for care homes, hospitals and hospices state;
An industrial/commercial-type washing machine capable of meeting the disinfection requirements given in ‘Disinfection of linen’ within the ‘Management and provision volume’ is required. A hot wash cycle is recommended (71ºC for at least three minutes or 65ºC for at least ten minutes) or alternatively a chemical disinfection process may be adopted as long as it meets the requirements of ‘Disinfection of linen’. This should be professionally installed and maintained.
The washing machine’s disinfection stage must be validated at least annually to prove it meets the requirements above (in accordance with the ‘Schedule of periodic tests’ within the ‘Engineering, equipment and validation’ volume). It is likely that an external validation contractor or the machine manufacturer would need to undertake these tests on behalf of the organisation.
Thermal disinfection
A thermal disinfection cycle that reaches 71ºC for at least three minutes or 65ºC for at least ten minutes.
Chemical disinfection
A chemical disinfection process that satisfies the requirements in the section ‘Disinfection of linen’ (in the ‘Management and provision’ volume).
The JLA alternative: ozone disinfection
Unique to us: OTEX ozone disinfection provides a verifiable way to meet HTM 01-04, whilst washing at lower temperatures. Our OTEX ozone disinfection solution harnesses the natural power of ozone O3, killing bacteria, moulds, yeasts and viruses and eliminating the risk of cross-infection in laundry. Learn more about our ozone washer system here.
What happens if my hospice isn’t HTM 01-04 compliant?
We understand the importance of being HTM 01-04 compliant. It’s possible that, if you aren’t meeting the HTM 01-04 standards, it could be placed into special measures or even shut down.
If an inspection finds that you aren’t meeting the HTM 01-04 standards and a resident or staff member has been harmed because of this, it’s possible that, in extreme cases, the CQC can bring prosecution against you. We’re here to make sure that your commercial laundry equipment is always compliant with the latest regulations.
Top tips for HTM 01-04 compliance:
- Ensure that every load of laundry is thoroughly disinfected according to relevant healthcare laundry guidelines
- Establish routes for the transportation of soiled items, from collection to washing and storage, in order to prevent cross-contamination
- Ensure staff are adequately trained in thermal and chemical disinfection methods
Focus 3: WRAS (Water Regulation Advisory Scheme)
Full compliance with all regulations, particularly when taking care of residents receiving end of life care. The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and KIWA are organisational bodies ensuring protection of the public water supply by setting standards for products such as commercial washing machines.
Key WRAS care home laundry guidelines
The WRAS care home laundry guidelines contain five WRAS Fluid Categories. It ranges from 1, for wholesome water, to 5, for water which is contaminated by faecal material or other human waste. All care homes are deemed high-risk due to a typically high level of incontinence. Therefore washing machines should be protected by a suitable backflow prevention device such as an air-gap.
What happens if my hospice isn’t WRAS compliant?
We understand the seriousness of keeping your water clean, which is why we’re here to help you pass any inspection from the local water authority. If your local water authority finds that you aren’t meeting UK Water Regulation 4 standards and you don’t pass a second inspection, your machines will be declared unfit. If you don’t take action, they may disconnect your hospice or care home’s water supply. It’s important to meet WRAS/KIWA compliancy as contamination of the water supply is a criminal offence.
As with any area of your hospice that needs to stay compliant, it’s important to ask an expert who can advise on layouts, workflows, regulations and maintenance. Our team can help you make informed choices, and find the best equipment for your specific needs.
What is essential for the safe handling of linen laundry?
It’s important that your hospice’s commercial laundry equipment and processes follow best practice guidelines for sorting, segregation, transportation, storage, washing, finishing and drying of linen. Contact our expert team below for advice on what you need to focus on in your laundry room.
Essentials of Laundry Hygiene Guide For Hospices
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