Today, more than ever, we’re conscious of hospital cleanliness and the risk of infection and it’s okay when approaching hospitals about treatment packages, to also enquire about their record on infection control and cleanliness. Keep reading as we explain how to enquire about your private hospital’s cleanliness to feel safe and comfortable when accessing your treatment.
Can private hospitals vary in cleanliness?
It’s important that the whole hospital is kept clean and well maintained. You should feel confident about these aspects of your care, from your arrival at reception through to waiting and treatment rooms, and if you’re a day patient or an inpatient on the wards.
Most private hospitals have excellent hygiene standards but unfortunately some can fall short. At Benenden Hospital, we pride ourselves on our CQC Outstanding rating. Each private hospital will be able to tell you about its infection control and cleanliness.
What are Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs)?
HCAIs are infections that occur in a patient while receiving treatment in a hospital or other healthcare settings. Factors such as illness, age, and treatment being received can all make patients more vulnerable to infection.
How can I find how clean a private hospital is?
Questions to ask the hospital about infection control
- What’s the HCAI infection rate at the hospital?
- Do you pre-screen for MRSA?
- What COVID-19 prevention measures do you have in place?
- Do you employ your own housekeeping team to stay on top of cleanliness?
- Do you have your own on-site Sterile Services Department, where medical equipment does not have to leave the site to be cleaned and therefore, the risk of medical equipment becoming contaminated in transit is reduced?
There are two effective ways to find out the answers to these questions:
Use online resources
Hospitals publish information about infection control as well as infection rates and MRSA levels on their website, so it’s easy to find out more.
Ask the hospital directly
You should feel confident in asking each hospital about its own record on Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) and find out what infection control measures are in place at the hospital.
We’re committed to the prevention and control of infection and would be happy to discuss any concerns you have about your safety when you come to our hospital – you can find out how to contact us here.
Contact us about private treatment at Benenden Hospital
If our guide has helped you make a decision around your own healthcare and you’d like to discuss treatment at our CQC rated Outstanding private hospital, contact our Private Patient team via Livechat or on 01580 363158 or complete our online enquiry form.
Published on 13 September 2022