SOCIETY of HOSPITAL LINEN SERVICE and LAUNDRY MANAGERS

MESSAGE BOARD LAST UPDATED 15/02/2013

Conference 3013 at Stratford Manor hotel

Programme and booking forms now available http://www.linenmanager.co.uk/conference.htm further information Email: conference@linenmanager.co.uk

Training for CFPP01-04 2013

A further two, one day training seminar has been planned for Thursday 28^th February 2013 to take place in Exeter at the Mercure Southgate Hotel and Wednesday 27^th March 2013 at the Daventry Court Hotel, Daventry. Further details, programme and booking form

available upon request. . Training@linenmanager.co.uk

Training for CFPP01-04 2013

The Society has recently provided training related to the new guidance documents at which 31 people attended. The day highlighted the requirements of hospitals and linen providers, which would form part of future assessments and gave an insight into the 

requirements of EN BS 14065. BS EN 14065 describes a management system for assuring the microbiological quality of processed textiles used in specifically defined sectors in which it is necessary to control microbiological contamination. The Department of Health

encourages the adoption of this standard for those operating laundries both in a commercial setting and within the NHS. This also describes for quality inspectors the standard and its relationship with Essential Quality Requirements.

Don’t worry if you missed the date, other sessions are being planned for early in 2013 and are open to not only NHS employee’s but those from commercially owned plants, nursing/Care homes, detergent suppliers and machinery manufacturers.

Conference exhibition 2013

Stands are now on sale for our 2013 conference & exhibition. Contact Suzanne.crellin@nobles.dhss.gov.im for further information.

Full details on the conference page of this site.

CFPP01-04

It’s happened……the new guidance document to replace HSG(95)18 has finally been issued. Copies of the final document can be downloaded from www.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk or by emailing publications@linenmanager.co.uk The Society

intend to provide training for its members in the near future. If you are not a member, join now to keep updated with all events.

Forum

It appears popular to establish forums where likeminded parties can raise topics of interest or everyday problems, and colleagues can inter-relate with their views. Should the Society be offering this facility?

Comments to opinions@linenmanager.co.uk

Members area

Password updated 03/07/2012

Nurses uniforms

Do the Department of Health uniform rules put nurses and patients at risk? (click here). See what the industry guidance is (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).

Membership subscriptions

Good news for those who do not like writing cheques. As well as payment by BACS the society can also accept payment using credit cards. This also applies to conference and training courses etc.

2012 Handbook

Handbooks have been sent out by post. If you think you should have received one but have not, then please let us know. handbook@linenmanager.co.uk for further details.

Ironer handbook

This is the must have for all those who are seeking to improve their ironer performance. Invaluable information on all aspects of the ironing functions, together with fault finding and solutions.

(click here).

Check out the job vacancy?

Situations Vacant (click on).

Reports.

Why re-invent the wheel. The following is a selection of available reports. (click here).

Best practice guide for Launderette services

A best practice guide has now been published. The guide gives lots of useful advice on the setting up of a launderette in health care premises, choice of equipment, location,

and training etc. Copies were given to members at the conference in Buxton. Should anyone else require a copy, then please email details to info@linenmanager.co.uk

Framework Agreement 
See paper to be given by Buying Solutions at the April conference
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.
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

North West meeting with a difference

The North West’s March meeting was hosted by A.R.Materials Handling ltd, and to show how innovative the company is, it took place at a go karting venue. The meeting was

well attended and the business papers were extremely informative, however members minds were still focused on their driving experience, and how fast they had lapped. Some even managed to settle old scores by shunting colleagues into the tyre walls. At the end it became obvious that it was a battle between the good guys from Lancashire and the not so good guys from over the Pennines (Yorkshire). Winner of the day was Andrew Donnegan, with a close second Ian Hargreaves followed in third place by Phil Fortin. A stewards enquiry is under way, as it has been suggested that the winner was using performance enhancing substances. (see photos).

Regional Meetings : (Further details in members area)

North West & Yorkshire meetings

Further details and invitation from: meetings@linenmanager.co.uk

Midland region.

Further details from Paul Gibson 01204 390693

North East meetings

Further details from Reg Ramsden 01642 624046 )

 
South Wales
Further details from John Gallagher 07864675581
 

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. 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

 
National Occupational standards 
Essential for the introduction of NVQ’s for linen service staff. Details upon request.

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.

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.