SOCIETY of HOSPITAL LINEN SERVICE and LAUNDRY MANAGERS

MESSAGE BOARD LAST UPDATED 26/02/2010

Conference 2010

An updated conference programme is now available. Additional topics include a paper on the latest designs for patient gowns that protect the individuals modesty, and 
Papers on energy saving and energy saving devices. 2010 will see the Society return to an old favourite, the Palace Hotel, Buxton. 21st - 23rd April. A programme is now available. (click here).

Check out the job vacancy?

Situations Vacant (click on).

Exhibition 2009

Last few stands available.

Happy New year
A Happy New year to all members and readers of this site from the Officers of the Society.
Linen usage 
A recent survey among members revealed significant increases in linen usage over the past 2 years. Increases are as a result of Trust's implementing
stricter hygiene policies in an attempt to reduce HAI's. Further details available.
Framework Agreement 
See paper to be given by Buying Solutions at the April conference
Conference 2010 
Following a successful conference in April 2009, plans are already in motion regarding next years event. 2010 will see the Society return to an 
old favourite, the Palace Hotel, Buxton. 21st - 23rd April.
Conference 2009 
Photos taken during conference can now be viewed (are you on them) (click here). Papers given at the conference are now available  (click here).
Safety 
A recent accident has caused concern throughout the industry. The TSA have issued guidance for inclusion in safety policies. Copies available.
Contract Monitoring 
A presentation on contract Monitoring is available. Further details are available. info@linenmanager.co.uk
 

Regional Meetings : (Further details in members area)

North West & Yorkshire meetings

Further details and invitation from Lynn Fort

Midland region.

Further details from Paul Gibson 01204 390693

North East meetings

23^rd February 2010 North Tees general Hospital. Further details from Reg Ramsden 01642 624046 )

Scotland region. No meetings planned..

Northern Ireland:  No meetings planned.

Good Practice guide 
All members should have received their copy of the Best Practice guide and 2008 diary, if not contact your regional chairman. Copies have now 
been sent to trust Chief executives, and some positive feedback has been received.

HSG(95)18  Guidelines for processing Healthcare textiles. (click here).
Fire code HTM 87  Guidelines on textiles suitable for use in Healthcare premises. (click here).
Curtain Alert! 
Advice has now been issued from the Department of Health regarding the flame retardancy of curtains (click here).
Society Mailing :
If you wish to be included on the Society’s mailing list, If you are a supplier or a manager requiring information.

Then please email / write or phone your details. info@linenmanager.co.uk

Uniform & Work wear guidance 
After a long wait, the guidance document from the Department of Health has now been published. ((click here). 

Uniform: an evidence review of the microbiological significance of uniforms and uniform policy in the prevention

and control of healthcare-associated infections. Report to the Department of Health (England) ((click here). 
National Occupational standards 
Essential for the introduction of NVQ’s for linen service staff. Details upon request.
2007 Conference & Exhibition 

Photos now available www.linenmanager.co.uk/conference.html

Medical Devices Alert (www.mhra.gov.uk) MDA/2007/031

Laundering of Hoists and Slings are again causing problems, check to ensure you know what to do.

Conference 2007 Papers

Hsg(95)18 review

Linen losses

Ozone, an alternative to thermal disinfection.

Transport regulations

PASA Framework agreement.

Details available and members comments. email info@linenmanager.co.uk

Health Service Journal more information on cleaning contracts.
 ((click here).
Health Service Journal calls for return of inhouse cleaning.
 ((click here).
Vat:
 (click here).
Storage of bleach:
See what advice the Hse gave to one health Authority. ((click here).

Training.

Email for details of planned courses info@linenmanager.co.uk

Guidance on Uniforms and Clothing worn in the delivery of Patient care. 
Anyone requiring a copy of this useful guidance, published by the RCN should email info@linenmanager.co.uk
Agenda for change - gradings

Several managers have sent details of staff gradings - see members area. (click here).

Training courses
               i) Essential hygiene training for laundry staff (1 day)             
               ii) Linen services for contract monitors. (1 day)
Job Profiles   National profiles have now been written for Linen Room Assistants, Sewing Room Assistants and 
Laundry Supervisors (click here).
Laundering advice for curtains.  (click here).
North East (Draft) Contingency plan.  (click  here).
Paper on "Survival of Enterococci during hospital laundry processing.
Paper by Kathy Orr, Department of Microbiology, Freeman hospital.
New Standard 
BS EN ISO 22612:2005 Clothing for protection against infectious agents - Test method for resistance to dry 
microbial penetration. Further details upon request.
New Standards (BS EN 13795-1 :2002)
Surgical drapes, gowns & clean air suits, used as medical devices, for Patients, clinical staff and equipment. 
Part 1 General requirements for manufacture, process & products.
BS EN 14065 :2002  
Textiles – laundry processed textiles – Bio contamination control systems.
BS ISO 9398  1-4 2003
Definitions and testing of capacity and consumption characteristics for: Flatwork ironing machines, Batch drying 
tumblers, Washing tunnels
 & Washer extractors.
BS EN 13726
Test methods for primary wound dressings – waterproof, conformity, odour control
  BS EN 3175
Professional care, dry-cleaning & wet cleaning o fabrics & garments.
Dirty little secrets
An article published in THE TIMES (04/12/2002) highlighted the need for National standards in the processing 
of health care linen. Reference was made to the Watt report, which followed the salmonella incident at Victoria 
hospital, Glasgow, where a recommendation was that all staff uniforms should be laundered on site. Other 
reference was made to National  Audit office report, European Standard on bio-contamination and the way in 
which the French perceive our industry developing.

Market Share

The Society hold a database showing the market share of NHS work by each supplier. (Further details available)

Benchmarking information

Proforma & Example of cost base (see information page)

Medical Devices Agency

The use of cotton or polyester / cotton blends will not be banned. Factors to be considered when deciding whether or

not to adopt the EU standard will involve, type of surgical procedure & assessment of risk involved. Priority of fabric

properties desired, fluid resistance, liquid absorption, processing requirements, sterilization, laundry finishes, cost

 & expected life. Further details available.