A reader comments: “I have a small medical practice and struggle with finding a cleaning service that understands the importance of cleaning not only for appearance but also disinfecting properly. Any suggestions?”

In most cases a doctor’s office is the same as any office except the possibility of infection is higher simply because a lot of sick people end up there. Many offices today segregate patients between those in for a checkup and those in with a possible contagion. Some even offer masks for those coughing and have hand sanitizing units readily available. First of all, you need to acknowledge that appearance is very important in your profession. This includes everything from the entrance door glass to spots on the carpet to odors in the rest rooms. The VCT (vinyl composite tiles) in the exam rooms do not necessarily have to be shiny but they should certainly be clean and with no visible soil along baseboards or in corners. Since anything that hits the floor is considered soiled I suggest you focus on touch points that are exposed all day to possible contagion. Of course, any surface can be a source of germ transfer including door handles, light switches, table tops and even the ink pens that people use to sign in. Your cleaning service can only do part of the job but it is very important.

I suggest you (or a staff person) develop standards/outcomes for the cleaning service to bid on with requirements for the disinfecting properties necessary to satisfy your concerns. Please remember that apply any disinfectant to a floor with finish (wax) will damage the shine and could actually open the pores to embedding microorganisms.

We will continue these thoughts in another article.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net


posted on 12/7/2015