In 2022, the rising cost of energy, combined with supply shortages, led one NHS Trust to recommend that patients’ bed linen was changed only if absolutely necessary, in a bid to reduce costs. However, in healthcare settings, where effective hygiene and infection control are critical, the risk of not regularly changing bed linen can be serious, for patients and staff.
In one study, more than 92 per cent of laundry staff in hospitals were found to be in contact with contaminated linen, exposing them to a variety of infections. But with hospital budgets under pressure, effective solutions are required to ensure best value when washing laundry and providing patients with the highest quality care as they recover.
Water-soluble laundry bags offer crucial benefits for hospitals, namely:
Compliance With Healthcare Standards
In the UK, water-soluble laundry bags made from alginate or high-grade PVA are compliant with all current regulations and meet the requirements for use in NHS settings. They also comply with CFPP01-04 guidelines, which focus on minimising the infection risk in hospitals. Compliance guarantees that the bags not only perform effectively but also adhere to the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
Infection Control
Using water-soluble laundry bags enhances infection control measures by reducing the risk of handling contaminated laundry. The bags can be placed directly into washing machines, minimising the exposure to pathogens. This is particularly valuable in preventing the spread of infections within hospital environments, protecting both staff and patients.
Find Out More
For more information about our hospital laundry bags, or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, please get in touch with SliK-PAK today.
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