V1.1 June 2017
Summary All staff members are responsible for: Reporting any incidents or occurrences, suspect or otherwise, of pest activity to the Mitie Helpdesk on extension 2468. To ensure that all areas where they work are kept clean, tidy and free of any potential pest harbourage where possible. This can include, but is not limited to, disposal of waste food; ensuring products are stored off the floor, reporting issues with the fabric of the building, ensuring that there is not build up of waste including cardboard. Reporting any damage to the fabric of the building to the Estates Department using the Estates helpdesk system. To use the Datix reporting system to report any infestations of pests within the Trust. Page 2 of 11
Table of Contents Summary... 2 1. Introduction... 4 2. Purpose of this Policy/Procedure... 4 3. Scope... 4 4. Definitions / Glossary... 4 5. Ownership and Responsibilities... 5 5.1. Role of the Chief Executive Officer... 5 5.2. Role of Infection Prevention & Control... 5 5.3. Role of Mitie Clean Environment... 5 5.4. Role of the Contract Monitoring Team... 5 5.5. Role of Estates Department... 5 5.6. Role of Operations Manager (Cornwall Food Production Unit)... 5 5.7. Role of Individual Staff... 5 6. Standards and Practice... 6 7. Dissemination and Implementation... 6 8. Monitoring compliance and effectiveness... 7 9. Updating and Review... 7 10. Equality and Diversity... 7 10.2. Equality Impact Assessment... 7 Appendix 1. Governance Information... 8 Appendix 2. Initial Equality Impact Assessment Form... 10 Page 3 of 11
1. Introduction 1.1. Keeping hospitals free from pests for patients, staff and visitors is an integral part of safe, effective and efficient healthcare and is a vital and fundamental requirement in ensuring patient safety. 1.2. A clean, well maintained and pest free environment enhances aesthetic appeal, providing confidence and reassurance to all service users. 1.3. Appropriate pest control methods assist in the on-going maintenance of the environment. 1.4. The Trust is acutely aware of its moral, social and legal obligation to provide a pest free environment for all service users. 1.5. This policy specifies how the Trust will commit to achieving and maintaining a pest free environment across its hospital sites. 1.6. This version supersedes any previous versions of this document. 2. Purpose of this Policy/Procedure 2.1. To specify clear, well defined roles with regard to pest control across the whole spectrum of staff groups within the clinical setting. 2.2. To define and allocate the necessary resources to achieve consistently high quality pest control standards across the Trust. 2.3. To provide and deliver the necessary training and development to all relevant staff in relation to pest control and expected standards. 2.4. To closely monitor pest control performance: according to national guidance and with a view to further improve service provision. 2.5. To ensure that any persistent failings with regards to pest control are addressed at the most senior level and rectified at the earliest opportunity. 3. Scope 3.1. The policy encompasses all pest control activities within the Trust across its three hospital sites of Royal Cornwall Hospital, St Michaels Hospital, West Cornwall Hospital and the Cornwall Food Production Unit. This includes all general routine and reactive pest control activities undertaken by Hotel Services staff and their contractors. 4. Definitions / Glossary 4.1. Pests Insects or animals that may constitute a threat to Infection Prevention & Control within the hospital environment including, but not limited to rodents, insects and birds. Page 4 of 11
4.2. Pest Control Contractor Company contracted to oversee the pest control within RCHT 4.3. The Trust Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 5. Ownership and Responsibilities 5.1. Role of the Chief Executive Officer The Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility for pest control at the Trust. 5.2. Role of Infection Prevention & Control Infection Prevention and Control are responsible for assuring the Trust Board that adequate pest control is in place and those audits on potential infestation form part of the Infection Prevention & Control audit process. 5.3. Role of Mitie Clean Environment Mitie Clean Environment is responsible for ensuring that a suitably qualified pest control contractor is appointed and managed as part of the Soft Facilities Management (Hotel Services) Contract. The contract will cover Royal Cornwall Hospital, St Michaels Hospital & West Cornwall Hospital. 5.4. Role of the Contract Monitoring Team The Contract Monitoring Team is responsible for monitoring the management of the pest control contract. 5.5. Role of Estates Department The Estates Department are responsible for ensuring that seagulls on site are managed appropriately using a suitably qualified contractor. To support with repairs to equipment and buildings where pest damage has been caused or where methods of entry have been established. 5.6. Role of Operations Manager (Cornwall Food Production Unit) The Operations Manager of the Cornwall Food Production Unit is responsible for the appointment of a suitably qualified contractor to monitor and manage pest control at the Cornwall Food Production Unit in line with the requirements for operating an Approved Premises (Food). 5.7. Role of Individual Staff All staff members are responsible for: Reporting any incidents or occurrences, suspect or otherwise, of pest activity to the Mitie Helpdesk on extension 2468. To ensure that all areas where they work are kept clean, tidy and free of any potential pest harbourage where possible. This can include, but is not limited to, disposal of waste food; ensuring products are stored off the floor, reporting issues with the fabric of the building, ensuring that there is not build up of waste including cardboard. Page 5 of 11
Reporting any damage to the fabric of the building to the Estates Department using the Estates helpdesk system. To use the Datix reporting system to report any infestations of pests within the Trust. 6. Standards and Practice 6.1. The current pest control contract is managed by Mitie Clean Environment. 6.2. The pest control contractor will attend each site at least six times each year to review the pest control provision on each site. In addition to this there will be two visits by a field biologist. 6.3. The pest control contractor will respond to Emergency Call Outs as detailed in the contract specification. 6.4. An Emergency Call-out will be established by Mitie once they have assessed the nature of the pest and the potential risk to patients, staff or visitors. 6.5. The Estates Department will be responsible for the control of seagulls on site by the use of birds of prey and other humane control methods. 6.6. This policy ensures that all pest control activities are carried out in line with national standards. 7. Dissemination and Implementation 7.1. This policy will be implemented and disseminated through the organisation immediately following ratification and will be published on the Trust s intranet site (document library). Access to this document is open to all. 7.2. This policy will be cascaded through the Health & Safety Committee. 7.3. All Hotel Services staff who carry out pest control duties will receive full, documented training with consequent refresher sessions. 7.4. Any other identified specific training requirements recognised due to new technology, specialist cleaning, personal development or poor performance will be addressed at the earliest opportunity. Page 6 of 11
8. Monitoring compliance and effectiveness Element to be monitored Lead Tool Frequency Reporting arrangements Acting on recommendations and Lead(s) Change in practice and lessons to be shared Site Visits by contractor and pest control incidents Hotel Services Manager (Front of House) Pest Control Log Book and KPI s Each Visit by the Pest Control Contractor A report will be made to the Health & Safety Committee as detailed in the Committee Terms of Reference This will be updated through the Pest Control Contract Meeting Feedback through the Health & Safety Committee 9. Updating and Review 9.1. This policy will be reviewed every 3 years or sooner where there are changes to the contractor or legislation. 10. Equality and Diversity 10.1.This document complies with the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust service Equality and Diversity statement which can be found in the 'Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Policy' or the Equality and Diversity website. 10.2. Equality Impact Assessment 10.3. The Initial Equality Impact Assessment Screening Form is at Appendix 2. Page 7 of 11
Appendix 1. Governance Information Document Title Date Issued/Approved: Date signed Date Valid From: June 2017 Date Valid To: June 2019 Directorate / Department responsible (author/owner): Phil Bond, Governance Lead, Estates & Facilities Contact details: 01872 253249 Brief summary of contents Suggested Keywords: Target Audience Executive Director responsible for Policy: Date revised: This document replaces (exact title of previous version): Approval route (names of committees)/consultation: Divisional Manager confirming approval processes Sets out procedures, protocols and responsibilities for pest control in RCHT. Pest control, Infection Control, Hygiene, Patient Safety. RCHT PCH CFT Chief Operating Officer New Document Health & Safety Committee Director of Estates Name and Post Title of additional signatories Signature of Executive Director giving approval Publication Location (refer to Policy on Policies Approvals and Ratification): Document Library Folder/Sub Folder Links to key external standards Related Documents: Not Required {Original Copy Signed} Internet & Intranet Estates/Hotel Services Intranet Only Page 8 of 11
Training Need Identified? Yes Version Control Table Date Versio n No 02 Jun 14 V1.0 Initial Issue 9 Jun 17 V1.1 Summary of Changes Updated to reflect Mitie Contract and provisions at CFPU Changes Made by (Name and Job Title) Christopher Walker, Hotel Services Manager Phil Bond, Governance Lead All or part of this document can be released under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 This document is to be retained for 10 years from the date of expiry. This document is only valid on the day of printing Controlled Document This document has been created following the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Policy on Document Production. It should not be altered in any way without the express permission of the author or their Line Manager. Page 9 of 11
Appendix 2. Initial Equality Impact Assessment Form Name of Name of the strategy / policy /proposal / service function to be assessed (hereafter referred to as policy) (Provide brief description): Directorate and service area: Estates & Is this a new or existing Policy? Existing Facilities Name of individual completing Telephone: 01872 25 3249 assessment: Phil Bond 1. Policy Aim* Staff Who is the strategy / policy / proposal / service function aimed at? 2. Policy Objectives* To assure the Trust that there is a robust pest control process 3. Policy intended Outcomes* 4. *How will you measure the outcome? 5. Who is intended to benefit from the policy? 6a) Is consultation required with the workforce, equality groups, local interest groups etc. around this policy? b) If yes, have these *groups been consulted? C). Please list any groups who have been consulted about this procedure. Assurance that pests are managed and eliminated from site KPI s and reports Staff, Visitors and Patients Yes Yes Health & Safety Committee 7. The Impact Please complete the following table. Are there concerns that the policy could have differential impact on: Equality Strands: Yes No Rationale for Assessment / Existing Evidence Age Sex (male, female, transgender / gender reassignment) Page 10 of 11
Race / Ethnic communities /groups Disability - Learning disability, physical disability, sensory impairment and mental health problems Religion / other beliefs Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Sexual Orientation, Bisexual, Gay, heterosexual, Lesbian You will need to continue to a full Equality Impact Assessment if the following have been highlighted: You have ticked Yes in any column above and No consultation or evidence of there being consultation- this excludes any policies which have been identified as not requiring consultation. or Major service redesign or development 8. Please indicate if a full equality analysis is recommended. Yes No 9. If you are not recommending a Full Impact assessment please explain why. Does not affect any groups Signature of policy developer / lead manager / director Date of completion and submission 2/06/2014 Names and signatures of members carrying out the Screening Assessment 1. 2. Keep one copy and send a copy to the Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion Lead, c/o Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Human Resources Department, Knowledge Spa, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD A summary of the results will be published on the Trust s web site. Signed Date Page 11 of 11