Housekeeping

Job Summary:

The Hospital Housekeeping Staff plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and orderliness throughout the hospital. They ensure that all areas of the hospital, including patient rooms, corridors, restrooms, and specialized treatment areas, are clean, sanitized, and conducive to patient health and safety. Housekeeping staff are essential in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and creating a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cleaning and Sanitizing:
   • Clean and disinfect patient rooms, common areas (e.g., waiting rooms, corridors), and specialized medical areas (e.g., operating rooms, labs, treatment areas).
   • Ensure all surfaces, including beds, tables, doorknobs, light switches, and handrails, are sanitized regularly.
   • Clean and disinfect restrooms, replenish supplies (e.g., soap, paper towels), and ensure hygienic conditions.
   • Perform periodic deep cleaning of floors, windows, and high-touch areas as per hospital protocol.
2. Waste Management:
   • Properly collect, sort, and dispose of medical waste, general waste, and recyclable materials in accordance with hospital policies and health regulations.
   • Ensure that waste is segregated into biohazard and non-hazardous waste, following safety standards.
   • Safely handle hazardous cleaning chemicals and maintain proper storage and labeling of supplies.
3. Laundry Services:
   • Wash, dry, fold, and distribute linen, including hospital bed sheets, towels, gowns, and patient clothing.
   • Maintain inventory of clean linens and ensure timely availability to various hospital departments.
4. Maintaining Cleanliness of Medical Equipment:
   • Assist in cleaning non-medical hospital equipment, including chairs, stretchers, trolleys, and wheelchairs.
   • Ensure that all cleaning materials and equipment (e.g., mops, vacuums, cleaning cloths) are clean and in working order.
5. Patient Room Preparation:
   • Make patient beds with clean linens, ensuring they are properly set up before patient arrival or transfer.
   • Ensure that patient rooms have adequate supplies (e.g., tissues, hand sanitizers, personal hygiene products) and that these items are replenished as needed.
6. Maintaining Safety Standards:
   • Report any unsafe conditions, such as wet floors, equipment malfunctions, or potential hazards, to the supervisor.
   • Follow all hospital infection control and health and safety guidelines to minimize risks to patients and staff.
   • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and aprons when handling cleaning agents or potentially contaminated materials.
7. Floor Care:
   • Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors throughout the hospital, ensuring that they are free from dust, dirt, and spills.
   • Perform specialized floor cleaning, such as waxing or polishing, as required for different hospital areas.
8. Inventory Management:
   • Maintain and manage housekeeping supplies, including cleaning agents, tools, and protective gear.
   • Monitor stock levels of cleaning materials and request replenishments when necessary.
   • Keep storage areas organized and ensure that cleaning supplies are properly stored and labeled.
9. Communication and Coordination:
   • Communicate effectively with hospital staff and supervisors regarding the completion of cleaning tasks, special requirements, or maintenance issues.
   • Respond promptly to any requests from hospital staff or patients regarding cleaning and room arrangements.
10. Emergency Response:
    • Be prepared to assist with additional cleaning needs in the event of spills, accidents, or emergencies (e.g., in case of a contamination).
    • Help with room turnover when patients are discharged or transferred, preparing rooms for new patients promptly.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Educational Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
  • Formal training in housekeeping or sanitation is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Key Skills:
  • Knowledge of cleaning techniques, equipment, and chemicals used in healthcare settings.
  • Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing cleaning tasks.
  • Basic understanding of infection control and hygiene practices.
  • Good physical stamina and ability to perform manual tasks (e.g., lifting, standing, bending).
  • Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks in a busy environment.
  • Good communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and visitors.
• Experience:
  • Prior experience in hospital or healthcare facility housekeeping is an advantage.
  • Experience in general housekeeping or janitorial work in other industries may also be considered.

Working Conditions:

• Shifts:
  Hospital housekeeping staff may be required to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the hospital’s operational hours.
• Environment:
  Housekeeping staff work in a fast-paced environment, with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, medical waste, and infectious materials. Proper use of PPE is mandatory.
• PhysicalDemands:
  The role involves significant physical activity, including standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and moving cleaning equipment. The ability to work in various hospital settings (patient rooms, corridors, restrooms, etc.) is essential.