Why you should outsource your hospital laundry needs

In the healthcare landscape, the quality and safety of medical laundry services are crucial for patient care. The strategic choice to outsource has become vital, offering efficiency, expertise, and enhanced infection control. Advanced technology, compliance with regulations, and robust contingency planning further emphasise the benefits of outsourcing. By partnering with specialised providers, healthcare facilities can achieve operational excellence, redirecting focus towards core medical services and ensuring a safe, hygienic environment for patient recovery.

Freya Gutteridge

18th December 2023

Business & Insights

Healthcare

Tech & Science

The quality and safety of medical laundry services are critical within the healthcare environment. Managing hospital laundry stands as a significant task, essential for patient care and staff well-being.

As healthcare facilities evolve, the choice to outsource laundry services has become a strategic move, offering a multitude of advantages.

Efficiency and expertise

Entrusting hospital laundry to specialised external providers gives you access to expertise and efficiency. These dedicated services operate with industry-specific knowledge, ensuring that laundry undergoes meticulous processing adhering to stringent healthcare standards. From sorting to washing, drying, and folding, their expertise minimises the risk of cross-contamination and ensures compliance with sanitation protocols.

Enhanced infection control

Maintaining a sterile and infection-free environment is paramount in healthcare settings. Outsourcing laundry to specialised providers significantly reduces the risk of infections by employing stringent protocols, including proper washing, disinfection, and packaging techniques. This ensures that hospital linens and garments meet or exceed hygiene standards, contributing to a safer patient care environment.

We're the first carbon-neutral medical laundry service with EN14065 accreditation, showcasing our commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions. Adhering to HTM0104 regulations by the Department of Health, we guarantee reliable, hygienic hospital laundry services for the NHS and broader healthcare sector.

Environmental sustainability

At Oxwash – we prioritise sustainable practices. Our wet cleaning technology utilises water and biodegradable detergents instead of carcinogenic solvents (Perc) found in traditional dry cleaning. Not only does this ensure safer and longer-lasting garments, but it also eliminates the harmful environmental impact associated with conventional dry cleaning methods.

Another key advancement is the development of innovative microfibre filters in collaboration with our partners, Cleaner Seas Group, to reduce microfibre and plastic release by approximately 99%.

Advanced technology and compliance

Outsourcing enables access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for healthcare textiles. These facilities employ advanced wash processes and specialised detergents that effectively eradicate bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

Moreover, they stay updated with industry regulations and compliance standards, guaranteeing that your hospital laundry meets all necessary benchmarks for patient safety and infection control.

Here at Oxwash, we use carbon-neutral disinfection methods in our hospital laundry services, including ozone and thermal treatments, to ensure textiles are clean and safe for healthcare environments. For example, our Ozone process — a uniquely engineered sterilisation process that eradicates 99.99999% of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Risk mitigation and contingency planning

In-house laundry operations come with inherent risks, including equipment failure, staffing shortages, or unexpected emergencies. Outsourcing mitigates these risks by transferring the responsibility to specialised providers who implement robust contingency plans. They maintain backup systems, trained personnel, and efficient protocols to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Focus on patient care

By outsourcing laundry services, healthcare facilities can redirect their focus and resources toward their primary objectives: providing superior patient care and medical services. Eliminating the operational responsibilities of managing laundry allows hospitals to concentrate on enhancing medical procedures, staff training, and overall patient experience without compromising on hygiene standards.

Achieve operational excellence by partnering with specialised laundry providers

Outsourcing your hospital laundry needs presents a multitude of benefits that positively impact the overall efficiency, quality, and sustainability of healthcare facilities. It allows hospitals to optimise resources, enhance infection control measures, and refocus efforts on core medical services, ultimately elevating patient care standards while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

By partnering with specialised providers, hospitals can achieve operational excellence and maintain a safe, hygienic environment crucial for patient recovery and well-being.

Discover our services

Transform your healthcare laundry with Oxwash. Elevate efficiency, enhance infection control, and focus on superior patient care. Contact us now for industry-leading, sustainable solutions.

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