Cleanliness in healthcare facilities is crucial for ensuring patient safety, preventing the spread of infections, and creating a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers. In these settings, surfaces and equipment are constantly exposed to pathogens, making rigorous cleaning and disinfection essential.
A well-maintained environment reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and even mortality. Additionally, a visibly clean facility instills confidence in patients and their families, enhancing the overall perception of care quality.
Role of Housekeeping in Infection Control
Housekeeping teams play a frontline role in maintaining hygiene and infection control. Their responsibilities go beyond simple cleaning — they follow strict protocols to disinfect high-touch surfaces, manage medical waste, and prevent cross-contamination.
Effective housekeeping reduces microbial load in the environment, minimizing the chances of pathogen transmission.
Proper training in infection control practices, along with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and standardized cleaning procedures, ensures that housekeeping staff contribute significantly to breaking the chain of infection.
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1) Introduction
The Cleaning and Housekeeping Unit is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the facility in all areas including Inpatient Units and all public areas.
The Cleaning Service may be contracted or in-house. In addition to the Cleaner’s Rooms already requested in the specialist Units, others may be required throughout the facility to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
2) Planning Cleaning and Housekeeping Unit
A typical hospital Cleaning/ Housekeeping Unit comprises the following:
- Manager’s Office
- Cleaner’s Meeting/ Briefing room
- Cleaner’s Equipment / Supply Store
- Cleaner’s Sign-on Bay
The above facilities are not mandatory. When provided, these should be sized adequately for the number of staff and the amount of equipment stored.
i) Functional Areas
Facilities shall be provided to clean and sanitise trolleys serving the Cleaning/ Housekeeping Unit, Catering Unit, and Linen Services.
These facilities may be centralised or departmentalised. Storage areas are required for bulk cleaning materials, consumable supplies and equipment. Storage areas may be shared with the Supply Unit.
ii) Functional Relationships
The Cleaning/ Housekeeping Unit should be located in a service area of the facility with ready access to the Waste Management Area, the Loading Dock and Laundry/ Linen Handling areas.
3) Components of the Unit
The Cleaning/ Housekeeping Unit will consist of a combination of Standard Components and Non-Standard Components.
Standard Components must comply with details in Standard Components described in these Guidelines. Refer also to Standard Components Room Data Sheets. Provide the Standard Components as identified in the Schedule of Accommodation.
Non-standard components
Provide the Non-Standard Components as identified in this section.
Bay – sign – on
Description and function
A recessed area is required for staff to sign-on, check and record rosters. The Sign-on Bay shall be a minimum of 4 m2.
Location and relationships
The Sign-on Bay should be located in a discreet area with ready access to staff entry area and circulation corridor. It may also be located close to the Unit Manager’s Office.
Considerations
The Sign-on Bay will require the following fittings and services:
- bench at standing height
- pinboard for display of rosters (or computer for computerised rosters)
- computer terminal (optional)
- power and data outlets for computers as required
4) Schedule of Accommodation
Cleaning & Housekeeping Unit Generic Schedule of Accommodation
Schedule of Accommodation – Cleaning / Housekeeping Unit to service a Hospital at levels 1 to 6
Please note the following:
- Areas noted in Schedules of Accommodation take precedence over all other areas noted in the FPU.
- Rooms indicated in the schedule reflect the typical arrangement according to the Role Delineation.
- Exact requirements for room quantities and sizes will reflect Key Planning Units identified in the service plan and the policies of the Unit.
- Room sizes indicated should be viewed as a minimum requirement; variations are acceptable to reflect the needs of individual Unit.
- Office areas are to be provided according to the Unit role delineation and staffing establishment.
- Staff and support rooms may be shared between Functional Planning Units dependant on location and accessibility to each unit and may provide scope to reduce duplication of facilities.
5) Functional Relationship Diagram
Cleaning & Housekeeping Unit Functional Relationship Diagram
