Category: Dental Surgeries

1. 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Dental Surgery Cleaning Provider

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 6th Jul 2023

   

    

   Maintaining a clean and sterile environment is crucial in dental surgeries. Not only does it create a positive impression on patients, but it also plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infections and diseases. While regular cleaning routines are essential, hiring a professional dental surgery cleaning service offers numerous benefits. This blog will explore five compelling reasons dental surgeries should consider outsourcing their cleaning needs to professionals.

   1. Expertise in Dental-Specific Cleaning:

   Professional dental surgery cleaning providers maintain the hygiene standards required in dental practices. Their teams are trained to handle dental offices' unique cleaning challenges. They possess the knowledge and expertise to clean and disinfect dental equipment, treatment rooms, waiting areas, and other critical areas using industry-approved cleaning agents and techniques. By relying on professionals, dental surgeries can ensure that every nook and corner is thoroughly cleaned, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

   2. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations, including CQC:

   Dental practices must adhere to stringent health and safety regulations to protect the well-being of patients and staff. In the UK, dental surgeries are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an independent regulator of health and social care services. The CQC sets standards for cleanliness and infection control in dental practices. A professional dental surgery cleaning provider is well-versed in these regulations and ensures that the cleaning processes meet the necessary standards. They stay updated with the latest guidelines and protocols provided by regulatory bodies like the CQC. By entrusting cleaning responsibilities to professionals, dental surgeries can maintain compliance with these regulations without adding an extra burden to their administrative staff.

   3. Enhanced Infection Control:

   Dental surgeries are susceptible to the spread of infections due to the nature of the treatments performed. Cross-contamination can occur through airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, or improperly sterilised instruments. Professional cleaning services are equipped with the tools and techniques to mitigate these risks effectively. They employ stringent infection control measures, including thorough disinfection of surfaces, proper disposal of medical waste, and adherence to sterilisation protocols. This reduces the chances of infection transmission and provides a safe environment for both patients and staff.

   4. Time and Cost Efficiency:

   Running a dental practice involves numerous responsibilities, and dedicating staff members to perform comprehensive cleaning tasks can take time and effort. By outsourcing cleaning to professionals, dental surgeries can free up staff time, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities, such as patient care and administrative tasks. Moreover, hiring a cleaning service can be cost-effective in the long run. Professional cleaners bring their equipment and supplies, eliminating the need for dental surgeries to invest in costly cleaning products and machinery.

   5. Consistent and Reliable Service:

   Professional dental surgery cleaning providers are committed to delivering consistent and reliable results. They follow a structured cleaning schedule tailored to the specific needs of the dental practice. This ensures that all areas are cleaned thoroughly and consistently, providing a welcoming and hygienic environment for patients and staff. Moreover, professional cleaning services often offer flexible contracts, enabling dental surgeries to adjust their cleaning requirements based on their evolving needs.  

   Maintaining a clean and sterile environment is paramount in dental surgeries to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff. By hiring a professional dental surgery cleaning provider, dental practices can benefit from their expertise, compliance with health and safety regulations, including the requirements of regulatory bodies such as the CQC, enhanced infection control, time and cost efficiency, and consistent and reliable service. Outsourcing cleaning responsibilities to professionals allows dental surgeries to focus on their core operations while providing a clean and safe environment for everyone who walks through their doors. Schedule a walkthrough and get started with a no obligation cleaning proposal within 24 hours. 

2. Let's Discuss TUPE and What it Entails

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 25th Oct 2022

   

   When it comes to TUPE, there are many things to consider. But one of the most critical questions is: do you have to TUPE cleaners? The short answer is yes, but there are some exceptions. Here's everything you need to know about TUPE and cleaners.

   What is TUPE?
   TUPE stands for the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. In the UK, TUPE protects the rights of employees when their job is transferred to another employer. This includes cases where there is a merger, acquisition, or outsourcing.

   If you're considering transferring your cleaning staff to another employer, you need to be aware of the TUPE regulations. Failure to comply with TUPE can result in legal action from your employees.

   The first thing you need to do is inform and consult with your employees about the transfer. This includes providing them with information about the new employer, their contact details, and any changes to their working conditions or salaries. You must also give them enough time to discuss the transfer and raise any concerns they may have.

   The next step is to consult with employee representatives, such as trade unions. You need to agree on any measures that will be taken concerning the transfer, such as changes to terms and conditions or redundancies. You must still consult with employees individually if there are no employee representatives.

   Once the transfer has occurred, the new employer must recognize any previous employer's trade unions. They must also notify employees of any changes to their contract of employment within one month of the transfer taking place. And finally, they must take on any collective agreements that were in place at the previous employer.

   TUPE can be a complex area, but it's essential to make sure you comply with the regulations if you're thinking about transferring your cleaners to another employer. By following the steps outlined above, you can avoid any legal action from your employees and ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. Thanks for reading and if you would like more help or advice schedule a walkthrough today and get a free no-obligation cleaning proposal within 24 hours.

3. The New NHS National Cleaning Standards 2021

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 14th Sep 2022

   

    

    

   The NHS National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025 are now in full effect, and it’s increasingly likely that they will form a core part of CQC inspections moving forward. Practice Managers, Infection Control Leads, and cleaning providers must all understand how these standards will impact daily operations and inspection readiness.

    

    One of the most significant changes is the continued emphasis on the environmental cleanliness rating system, introduced in the earlier 2021 framework and firmly embedded in NHS guidance. This system uses a 1–5 scale to assess how well a practice meets national cleaning standards, with 5 representing full compliance. Ratings are determined through regular inspections, often carried out by independent assessors or external auditors.

    

    To achieve a rating of 5, practices must meet all criteria outlined in the 2025 standards. This includes having a dedicated cleaning team trained in infection prevention and control (IPC) and ensuring that all areas of the practice are cleaned and monitored daily. During inspection, documentation, training records, and visual cleanliness will all be reviewed.

    

    Another crucial element is the introduction of minimum requirements for washroom hygiene. To achieve a rating of 4 or above, practices must meet specific standards around hand hygiene facilities, cleaning frequency, and consumable storage, including toilet paper, hand towels, and waste bins.

    

    For Practice Managers, the takeaway is clear: compliance is no longer optional; it’s essential. Implementing the updated NHS standards and maintaining clear audit trails, documented cleaning plans, and trained operatives can ensure that practices provide a safe, hygienic, and CQC-ready environment for patients and staff alike.

    Why not schedule a walkthrough for a free no-obligation cleaning proposal within 24 hours.