Developing the role of a ward housekeeper within a multidisciplinary team

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Standards
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Background:

• Housekeeping services are crucial for maintaining hospital environments and patient well-being.
• Existing training and support for housekeepers may be inconsistent across healthcare facilities.
• The need for standardized practices and continuous quality improvement in hospital support services is recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of an innovative housekeeper induction competency program.
• To highlight the role of a clinical standards facilitator in developing housekeeping services.
• To assess the program's impact on patient nutrition and the ward environment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a structured induction competency program for housekeepers.
• Implementation of a Trust-wide, multidisciplinary team approach.
• Utilizing NHS Estates guidance and Essence of Care benchmarks for nutrition as a framework.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an innovative approach to housekeeping service development.
• Successfully integrated a multidisciplinary team (dieticians, catering, facilities managers).
• Contributed to raising standards in patient nutritional support and improving the ward environment.

Conclusions:

• The housekeeper induction competency program is an effective model for enhancing support services.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to improving patient care outcomes and hospital environments.
• The program provides a framework for continuous quality improvement in NHS Trusts.