CQC, Clinical Commission Group or Local Council inspections can be a stressful time for Care Home owners. The worst possible scenario is to be told that you are in breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and are therefore in ‘Special measures’. Alternatively, if you are judged at the end of an inspection to have a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating then this can add considerable future value to your business.

So why would Laundry Services And Supplies – a Laundry Equipment Provider be concerned about this?

Well, it relates to the Regulations relating to the management and governance of your Onsite Premises Laundry and the CQC and other regulatory bodies’ specific interest in this. Including the following:-

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (Part 3) – Regulation 15. Premises and Equipment – makes specific reference to the management of Onsite premises laundries.
• Decontamination of linen for health and social care (HTM 01-04), 2013 – provides guidance on how to make your laundry comply with minimum standards and achieve ‘Best Practice’.
• Health and Safety in Care Homes, HSG220, 2014 – Makes specific reference to:- moving and handling, Equipment safety, Hazardous substances, infections and diseases. All of which is relevant to your laundry. And importantly the CQC are being tasked with becoming the lead investigators of incidents of unsafe activities in Care Homes.

And if you were in any doubt as to whether the CQC or other bodies were interested in this, then for example, the CQC framework of Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), Prompts and Sources of Evidence for : Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well Led make several references to matters directly related to your laundry.

And then of course there are other specific requirements relating to your laundry

• Gas Safety (installation and Use) Regulations 1998 as amended 2018 – relating to your use and installation of your Gas dryers.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1991 (COSHH) regulations 6,7 and 8 and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992,8 regulation 5 and 6 – relating to the ventilation of your laundry and the elimination of toxic fumes such as Carbon monoxide.

But there’s no need to panic …

This is an awful lot to think about and our guess is that you would rather you and your staff concentrated on your area of expertise i.e. patient and resident care. Aventus are experts in Care Home laundries and we can help to make your site compliant with the Regulations and government guidance, conform to Best Practice and, when it comes to your next CQC inspection you can rest easy in the full knowledge that your laundry is up to scratch.

Aventus has the answers!

Well if you have any doubts about the safety, compliance or effectiveness of your Onsite Premises Laundry then we can come and do a free assessment for you and advise you how we can help you achieve your overall laundry objectives.

Just call us on 0800 069 8082 to book your free assessment now.