By Bernard Danquah
The healthcare sector is one of the nation’s most vital sectors—a sector which demands the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation. The recent outbreak of Cholera, Ebola and Covid-19, amongst others, has highlighted the importance of cross-infection control, and the pivotal role that healthcare laundry plays in controlling cross infection in today’s healthcare system.
From the bed linens that cradle patients to the uniforms worn by healthcare staff, managing laundry in healthcare settings is not just about cleanliness—it is about safeguarding health, preventing the spread of infections, and upholding the dignity and comfort of patients.
I reiterate, the healthcare sector is one of the most vital industries, demanding the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation.
Significance of Laundry in Healthcare
Healthcare environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, are hubs where pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can thrive if not properly managed.
Textiles used in these settings—such as bed sheets, pillowcases, gowns, towels, and surgical drapes—can become reservoirs for these pathogens. Improperly cleaned or mishandled laundry can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which pose severe risks to both patients and staff.
Beyond infection control, clean laundry contributes to the overall well-being and psychological comfort of patients. A freshly laundered bed or crisp hospital gown may seem like a small detail, but it can provide immense comfort to individuals who are already vulnerable due to illness or injury.
Challenges in Healthcare Laundry
While the importance of laundry in healthcare is undeniable, it comes with its own set of challenges:
- Space and Laundry Set Up: Adequate space and proper set up of the laundry is critical to ensure the smooth flow of work—so as to avoid cross contamination. Far too often, I have observed modern healthcare facilities in Ghana, and other parts of Africa, treat the set-up of their laundry facilities as an afterthought. Many of these commercial laundromats tend to have inadequate space and poor set up.
- Volume and Variety: Healthcare facilities generate vast amounts of laundry daily, including a wide range of items with different handling and cleaning requirements. Managing this volume while maintaining the high standards and preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be daunting.
- Right Equipment for The Job: Selecting and using the right equipment for healthcare laundry is essential to ensuring hygiene, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. Using large-capacity domestic or semi-commercial machines—as some health facilities do in the country and across the continent—is woefully inadequate.
- Infection Risks: Workers handling contaminated laundry are at risk of exposure to pathogens. Improper handling or breaches in protocol can lead to the spread of infections. Unfortunately, some healthcare facilities do not have adequate laundry handling protocols in place. Others tend to have little to no monitoring procedures to ensure quality at all times.
- Environmental Impact: Healthcare laundries consume significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, raising concerns about environmental sustainability. Balancing hygiene standards with eco-friendly practices is a continuous challenge for many service providers.
- Cost Management: Maintaining high-quality laundry services can be expensive, particularly for smaller facilities. Costs include specialized equipment, detergents, labour, and energy consumption.
- Emergency Preparedness: During outbreaks or pandemics, the demand for clean laundry surges dramatically. Facilities must be equipped to handle such spikes while adhering to stringent protocols.
Standards and Guidelines
Healthcare laundry operations must be guided by stringent standards and protocols to ensure safety and efficacy.
Healthcare laundry standards in Ghana are closely tied to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures within healthcare facilities. The National Strategy for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) emphasizes maintaining clean environments to reduce hospital-associated infections. While specific laundry standards aren’t detailed in the strategy, it highlights the importance of hygiene practices in healthcare settings.
Additionally, the National Guidelines for Healthcare Waste Management provides insights into handling hazardous materials, which could include contaminated laundry. These guidelines stress the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper segregation to ensure safety.
Innovations in Healthcare Laundry
Advancements in technology and practices are helping to address some of the challenges in healthcare laundry. Here are a few notable innovations:
- Energy-Efficient & Cross Contamination Prevention Machines: Modern laundry equipment are designed to use less water and energy while maintaining high cleaning efficacy. Technologies like heat recovery systems and ozone washing are gaining popularity. For instance, Girbau’s specialised Barrier Washers, having separate compartments for loading and unloading—are often employed in healthcare laundries to prevent cross contamination.
- Automation and Robotics: Automation in sorting, washing, and folding reduces the need for manual labour and minimizes the risk of human error or exposure to contaminants.
- Antimicrobial Fabrics: Some healthcare facilities are adopting textiles made from antimicrobial materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Sustainable Practices: Facilities are increasingly adopting eco-friendly detergents, water recycling systems, and renewable energy sources to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Data Analytics: Advanced laundry systems equipped with sensors and data analytics such as Girbau’s Disinfection Monitoring Package can monitor and verify if disinfection protocols are met, track usage patterns, optimize resource allocation, and predict maintenance needs.
The Future of Healthcare Laundry
As healthcare continues to evolve in Ghana and Africa, so also will the standards and practices of laundry management. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) could revolutionize healthcare laundry by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and personalized cleaning cycles.
Sustainability will also remain a key focus, with ongoing efforts to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.
In conclusion, laundry in the healthcare sector is far more than a routine chore—it is a critical component of patient care, infection prevention, and operational efficiency. Girbau’s washers, dryers, and finishing equipment work seamlessly together, incorporating sanitizing ozone for optimal energy and labor cost reduction.
They offer increased productivity, exceptional programmability, superior durability, ease of use, and ensure sanitized laundry loads. By adhering to stringent protocols, embracing innovation, and addressing challenges head-on, healthcare facilities can ensure that their laundry practices support both human health and environmental sustainability.
It is a reminder that even the seemingly mundane aspects of healthcare can have profound implications on safety and well-being.
BYLINE:
Bernard Danquah is the Founder/CEO of Wash N Go Ventures, a leading laundry and cleaning solutions provider in Ghana. He is a trained corporate banker, having worked in noted institutions both in UK and Ghana, but a highly-commercial laundry service provider by passion. He can be reached via: +233 50 587 7361 | [email protected]
