West Suffolk becomes first hospital in Europe to scoop award

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has become the first hospital in Europe to achieve a prized international accreditation in recognition of the excellent cleaning service provided by its housekeeping team.

The department has been presented with the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) award with honours after demonstrating it meets the highest standards during a rigorous two-day inspection.

The award shows that the housekeeping department has the right policies and procedures in place to deliver consistent, high quality services which meet the needs of the hospital.

It also shows the team is committed to continual improvement and making the best use of its resources.

The news comes shortly after West Suffolk was named as a finalist in a national awards scheme designed to celebrate the best cleaning services across the country, with the winner due to be announced later this month.

High standards of hygiene at the hospital have also contributed to a 91 per cent reduction in C difficile cases over the last seven years, while no avoidable MRSA bacteremia cases have been recorded since May 2013.

Prof Dr Stephen Dunn, chief executive at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To become the first hospital in Europe to achieve this much sought-after standard is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our fabulous housekeeping staff.

“We take great pride in the hospital environment as we know just how important cleanliness and hygiene is to everyone who uses West Suffolk.

“Our housekeeping staff do an excellent job to keep our wards, clinics and corridors in the best possible condition, and truly deserve this recognition.”