Linen Services A Workbook to record your training and personal development

Linen Services A Workbook to record your training and personal development

Health Facilities Scotland 2011 You can copy or reproduce the information in this document for use within NHSScotland and for non-commercial educational purposes. Use of this document for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of HFS. First published Summer 2011 by NHS National Services Scotland Health Facilities Scotland 3rd Floor Meridian Court 5 Cadogan Street Glasgow G2 6QE Tel: 0141 207 1600 nss.hfsenquiries@nhs.net www.hfs.scot.nhs.uk In partnership with NHS Education for Scotland Thistle House Office 91 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5HD Coordinated by Alistair Wilson and Morag Drew, NHS Highland Health Facilities Scotland consents to the photocopying, electronic reproduction by uploading or downloading from websites, or other copying of this document for the purpose of implementation within NHSScotland. Permission for use of photography should be sought from Health Facilities Scotland.

Contents About this Workbook 2 Why this Workbook for Linen Services staff? 3 How to use this Workbook 4 Before you start 4 Completing Part A of the Workbook 5 How this Workbook links with the Healthcare Support Worker Induction Standards 6 Completing Part B of the Workbook 8 Continuing your development 8 Part A. Recording knowledge and skills 11 1. Infection prevention and control 12 1.1 Personal hygiene 12 1.2 Introduction to safe management of linen 14 1.3 Protecting clean linen from contamination 16 1.4 Preventing germs (pathogens) e.g. mildew from multiplying 22 1.5 Destruction of pathogens 23 1.6 Equipment 25 2. Health and Safety and maintaining the environment 28 2.1 Safe disposal of waste 28 2.2 Manual handling 30 2.3 Workplace hazards 32 2.4 Dealing with incidents 33 2.5 Dealing with substances hazardous to health (COSHH) 35 2.6 Personal security 37 3. Providing a high quality service 39 3.1 Safe management of linen 39 3.2 Working with patients and other customers 40 3.3 Working with colleagues 42 Part B. Additional and completion information 47 The Chain of Infection 47 Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) 48 Other areas of education and training 49 Statement of completion 49 Continuing your development 49 Appendices 53 Appendix 1 - Local training schedule 53 Appendix 2 - Local work instructions 54 Linen Services Workbook 1

About this Workbook This Workbook is not a training course but it does provide you and your supervisor with a structured approach to assessing, developing and demonstrating your capabilities and can form part of your Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) Personal Development Plan (PDP) and Professional Development Review (PDR). It is expected that you will be able to complete the Workbook within 3-6 months from the start date. This is your Workbook for you to record and demonstrate your capability to carry out your role in the Linen Services team. There are spaces in which you or your supervisor can write down notes and answers to questions. You can begin by filling in your details and describing your role. You Name:... Organisation:... Department:... Date Workbook commenced:... Your role You can use the space below to describe the main duties of your job. It might also be useful to make some notes about aspects of your role that you enjoy, those that you don t enjoy and those that you find difficult. Main duties: Aspects which are difficult: Best aspects of the work: Aspects I do not enjoy: 2 Linen Services Workbook

Why this Workbook for Linen Services staff? A high quality Linen Service is an important part of healthcare and can make a big difference to a patient s experience of NHSScotland. To play your part in that service you need to keep your knowledge of laundry and linen processes up to date, along with your Health and Safety and customer service skills. This requires training and regular updates about new methods and equipment. If all Linen Services staff can demonstrate the same skills, to the same minimum standard, then colleagues and patients can feel confident in the quality of the service that you provide. This Workbook describes the things that all Linen Services staff should know or be able to do to carry out your role. The completed Workbook also provides evidence which can be used in KSF PDP and PDR processes By completing this Workbook, you will be demonstrating your knowledge and abilities and the contribution you make to Linen Services, helping patients and others to feel confident that they are being cared for in a healthy and nurturing environment. It allows you to log your knowledge of the Chain of Infection and the role that you have in controlling hazards at points critical to linen safety. Linen Services Workbook 3

How to use this Workbook Your supervisor will help you to work through this book and identify areas in which you require further training. We use the word supervisor here to describe the person who will support and monitor your use of the Workbook. This person may or may not be your line manager. Before you start: Make sure that you have the KSF outline for your post. Your supervisor will discuss with you how the questions and tasks in the Workbook relate to the KSF levels/dimensions in the KSF outline. Look through Parts A and B of the Workbook. Part A contains the tasks and questions you need to complete to demonstrate you have the appropriate range of knowledge and skills. Part B has sections for you to make notes about some of your learning. It also contains guidance on what to do once you have completed the Workbook. Discuss with your supervisor how you will complete the Workbook. Consider the training you have already received. This could include induction training when joining your organisation, any courses you have attended and learning manufacturers instructions for using machinery. Perhaps you have received other types of training. Use the questions below to make some notes about what you know already. Your supervisor will help you to decide how this applies to the capabilities required in this Workbook. There may be some boxes that you can tick already. You should speak with your supervisor about how to record this information for your KSF Review. You might record it on e-ksf or using documents prepared by your NHS Board. What training courses have you attended? In the past year In the past five years What qualifications do you have that relate to your role (e.g. SVQ)? 4 Linen Services Workbook

Completing Part A of the Workbook Once you have identified which capabilities you still need to demonstrate, your supervisor will observe you as you go about your normal work. Capabilities can be assessed in any order. When your supervisor is happy that you have shown the required level of skill, they will record this by signing their initials against the task. Tasks marked with the icon are practical tasks. This means that your supervisor will observe you carrying out the tasks in the workplace. Other tasks ask you to answer questions verbally and you will see the icon and a space where you can make notes. The questions may ask you to: State or Identify (e.g. State the difference between normal soiled linen and fouled linen and infected linen, or state the thermal disinfection requirements for all classifications of linen.) In these questions, you need to give statements of fact. You can make notes to help you in the space where the icon appears. Describe (e.g. Describe the procedure for laundering staff uniform.) Here, you should give comprehensive description of a procedure or process. You need to provide enough detail to show your supervisor that you know exactly how to carry out the task. Again, use the space where the icon appears to make notes. Explain (e.g. Explain why we carry out risk assessments.) These questions ask you to give examples of things you do and give the reasons why you do them in this way. You can use the space where the icon appears to make notes of your answers. Some tasks may not always be appropriate within your role and your supervisor can write not applicable if that is the case. Once you have completed the tasks and questions to an appropriate level, your supervisor will initial the achieved box in your Workbook. When you have completed a section in the Workbook, this too will be signed off by your supervisor. In cases where you may need further support to develop a skill before it can be signed off, your supervisor can record that you are progressing towards reaching the required skill level. If you do not feel confident in a particular area, you should seek advice from your supervisor. It may be that you have not had access to sufficient training or that your working environment does not allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills for other reasons. It is important to complete this Workbook and therefore important to identify any difficulties you may be having. Linen Services Workbook 5

How this Workbook links with the Healthcare Support Worker Induction Standards As a member of the Linen Services team, you belong to the group of NHSScotland staff known as healthcare support workers. All healthcare support workers have important roles in ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality services to patients and other service users. In December 2010, the Scottish Government introduced mandatory induction standards to ensure that all new healthcare support workers joining NHSScotland meet minimum standards to protect the public. If you started your role as a healthcare support worker after December 2010, you must complete the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Workbook to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills needed to meet the standards. In addition, all healthcare support workers are expected to abide by the HCSW Code of Conduct. By meeting the mandatory induction standards and abiding by the Code of Conduct, healthcare support workers demonstrate their commitment to protecting all those who use the services of NHSScotland. How does this Workbook link with the HCSW Workbook? If you started your role as a healthcare support worker in the linen services team after December 2010, you should normally complete the HCSW Workbook within 3 months of starting work. We suggest you complete this before you begin the Linen Services Workbook. By completing the HCSW Workbook, you will have answered some of the questions and tasks in this Linen Services workbook. This means that you do not have to do them again. 6 Linen Services Workbook

The following table shows how the questions in this workbook link with the questions in the HCSW Workbook. If you have answered this question in the HCSW Workbook then you have already answered this question in the Linen Services Workbook 1.1 2.6.2 2.1 1.1.1 2.2 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 2.3 1.1.2 2.4 1.1.5 2.5 and 2.6 1.3.22 2.7 2.2.1 2.8 2.2.4 2.9 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 2.10 2.1.3 2.11 2.4.3 2.12 2.4.1 3.1 3.3.1 3.2 3.3.2 3.3 3.3.3 3.4 3.2.2 3.6 3.2.4 3.7 3.2.5 4.7 3.3.6 For more information about the HCSW Induction Standards and Code of Conduct, visit the Healthcare Support Worker Toolkit. www.hcswtoolkit.nes.scot.nhs.uk/induction-standards--codes Linen Services Workbook 7

Completing Part B of the Workbook Part B allows you to log your knowledge and the role that you have in controlling hazards at points critical to the delivery of clean linen. It also provides a structure for you to record any training courses which you attend, and to identify your own learning needs. The Chain of Infection This allows you to log your knowledge of the Chain of Infection. Bacteria have to take a number of steps along the chain for an infection to be passed on. There are many ways which you can break the chain or stop the infection. As you complete the sections of this Workbook, and associated training programmes, you will see how your role gives you the necessary capabilities to break this chain, namely to: prevent contamination prevent bacteria from multiplying destroy bacteria that are present. You can record examples of how you can help to break the Chain of Infection in Part B of this Workbook. Other areas of education and training This section of the Workbook relates closely to KSF Core Dimension 2 (Personal & People Development) Level 1. You should discuss the additional learning needs with your supervisor and make a note of these in the KSF documents provided by your NHS Board, or in your e-ksf record. Statement of completion When all of the sections have been signed you will have completed the Workbook and your supervisor will sign the Statement of completion to record your achievement. Use this in your PDP to demonstrate that you have achieved the recognised standards of a member of the Linen Services team. Continuing your development Completion of the Workbook doesn t mark the end of your learning to be an effective member of the Linen Services team. This section of the Workbook provides some information and guidance on the next steps you might wish to pursue regarding learning and development. 8 Linen Services Workbook

Part A. Recording knowledge and skills

Part A. Recording knowledge and skills In this part of the Workbook, you are asked to record what you know and can do in a number of important areas of your work. For some questions, you will be observed doing tasks in the workplace. These questions are marked with the icon. Your supervisor will observe these tasks. All other questions will be marked with the icon where you can make notes in the space provided. When you have completed the questions and tasks satisfactorily, your supervisor or line manager will sign the box at the end of each section. Some text items have been reproduced from the HCSW Workbook ( NES 2010) published by NHS Education for Scotland and are reproduced here with the permission of NES. 1. Infection prevention and control 1.1 Personal hygiene 1.2 Introduction to safe management of linen 1.3 Protecting clean linen from contamination 1.4 Preventing germs (pathogens) e.g. mildew from multiplying 1.5 Destruction of pathogens 1.6 Equipment 2. Health and Safety and maintaining the environment 2.1 Safe disposal of waste 2.2 Manual handling 2.3 Workplace hazards 2.4 Dealing with incidents 2.5 Dealing with substances hazardous to health (COSHH) 2.6 Personal security 3. Providing a high quality service 3.1 Safe management of linen 3.2 Working with patients and other customers 3.3 Working with colleagues Linen Services Workbook 11

1. Infection prevention and control Linen Services staff play a vital role in ensuring that all linen used by patients, staff and visitors is safe. It is important that Linen Services staff fully understand the role of safe laundering of linen, good housekeeping, correct storage and preparation of used/clean linen, good personal hygiene and hygienic working practices to ensure that patients and other consumers are not at risk of illness or injury from the linen used in healthcare. 1.1 Personal hygiene Successful linen safety starts with your own knowledge of, and attitude towards, personal hygiene. You can: 1.1.1 Give some examples of good personal hygiene and correct dress code. Explain how these aid the prevention and control of infection. Achieved 1.1.2 Demonstrate effective hand washing technique. 1.1.3 Explain why it is essential to report relevant personal illness e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, other infections, to assist in the control of infection. 1.1.4 Describe the procedures for reporting personal illnesses likely to be infectious. 12 Linen Services Workbook

1.1.5 Wear correct uniform for your role to ensure compliance with all Infection prevention and control policies and your organisation s and national uniform policy. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 13

1.2 Introduction to safe management of linen Your role is to ensure high standards of linen management within the healthcare environment. It is important that you are able to demonstrate your understanding of linen hygiene and its role in the prevention of illness or injury. All Linen Services premises have a legal requirement to operate to control of infection requirements and to train staff commensurate with their work activity. Staff should be aware of the location of all relevant policies. You can: Achieved 1.2.1 Describe the actions you take to maintain safe management of linen. 1.2.2 Describe the benefits of high standards of linen hygiene. 1.2.3 Explain why we use infection prevention and control policies and where you would find your local policy. 1.2.4 Describe the three main types of linen safety hazards which could exist in your area and give an example of each. 14 Linen Services Workbook

1.2.5 State which type of safety hazard would be of greatest risk to patients and other staff and why. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 15

1.3 Protecting clean linen from contamination It is important that all staff engaged in the provision of linen are fully aware of how contamination of clean linen can be prevented at all stages. Linen supply, delivery and storage You can: 1.3.1 Explain the importance of using approved suppliers for the supply of all linen and other products. Achieved 1.3.2 Describe the procedures to be followed upon delivery of linen and other products with regard to method of delivery, time, date coding, quality, segregation, etc. 1.3.3 Describe the procedure to be followed where a product fails to meet the required standard at delivery. 1.3.4 Describe the storage requirements for linen and other products. Segregation and classification of linen 1.3.5 Describe the main sources of contamination. 16 Linen Services Workbook

1.3.6 Explain the purpose of having a colour coding system in the sorting area and describe the system in your laundry. 1.3.7 Explain what is meant by the term cross-contamination and how this can occur. 1.3.8 Explain the difference between high risk and low risk linen and give examples. 1.3.9 Describe the safe delivery and storage requirements of used and infected linen. 1.3.10 Describe the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols for entering, working in and leaving the sorting area. 1.3.11 Explain the procedure for linen classification. Linen Services Workbook 17

1.3.12 Explain the procedure for dealing with a bag of used and/or infectious linen which has burst open. 1.3.13 Describe the procedure if any unexpected items are found during sorting. 1.3.14 Explain the checks and controls required for the linen after sorting and before washing to prevent contamination and prepare it for washing. 1.3.15 Describe how to deal with any items of linen which are not processed in your laundry. Environmental hygiene 1.3.16 Describe the main cleaning agents in your work area and briefly explain what they are used for. 18 Linen Services Workbook

1.3.17 Explain how the use of the correct cleaning agents will help prevent and control bacterial contamination. 1.3.18 Give examples of instructions, training and policies within your department which are relevant to the control of infection. 1.3.19 Correctly replenish supplies such as hand towels, liquid soap, disposable cloths etc. 1.3.20 Describe the key elements of good housekeeping in your workplace. 1.3.21 Demonstrate methods of good housekeeping. 1.3.22 Give examples of the main pieces of equipment you use in your work. Describe and demonstrate how you use and store each example safely. Linen Services Workbook 19

1.3.23 Explain the importance of maintaining clean equipment. 1.3.24 Explain the importance of monitoring the cleanliness of all linen areas. 1.3.25 Work in a way that ensures compliance with current legislation and promotes best practice with regard to cleaning techniques and maintenance of a clean, safe environment. Pest control 1.3.26 Explain the importance of keeping all areas free of pests. 1.3.27 Describe the signs which indicate that there is an infestation on the premises. 1.3.28 Name two common pests which could be found in Linen Service premises. 20 Linen Services Workbook

1.3.29 Describe the procedure for reporting pest infestations. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 21

1.4 Preventing germs (pathogens) e.g. mildew from multiplying Pathogens need certain conditions to grow and multiply. Your role is to ensure these conditions are adequately controlled. You can: Achieved 1.4.1 Describe the essential requirements for bacterial multiplication. 1.4.2 Explain the importance of rotating the linen to ensure the oldest linen has priority in the wash cycle. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 22 Linen Services Workbook

1.5 Destruction of pathogens You can: 1.5.1 Describe the procedure for laundering soiled linen, infectious linen and staff uniforms. Achieved 1.5.2 State the minimum core temperatures and times for which soiled/fouled linen and infectious linen must each be washed. 1.5.3 How do we cross check that the time and temperature are correct? 1.5.4 Explain the procedure to be followed where a wash process fails to meet the required temperature. 1.5.5 What are the terms used to describe chemicals used in the Linen Services area? Give three examples of how the chemicals are used. Linen Services Workbook 23

Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 24 Linen Services Workbook

1.6 Equipment You should be aware of the safe operating procedures for the equipment used within your workplace. You can: Achieved 1.6.1 Give five different examples of equipment operated in your area of work. 1.6.2 Explain how to safely operate the equipment that you have been trained to use and the relevant control panels. Demonstrate the operating procedure if necessary. 1.6.3 Describe the location of emergency stop buttons on items of equipment listed in 1.6.1 and how to activate them. 1.6.4 Demonstrate and describe the safe operating procedure for opening and closing roller shutter doors (whether manual or electric). 1.6.5 Demonstrate the procedures for stopping and starting a conveyor belt, including emergency procedures. Linen Services Workbook 25

1.6.6 Explain the safe procedures for dealing with a blockage inside the continuous batch tunnel washer, press and shuttle compound. 1.6.7 Explain why tumble driers should be emptied at the end of the working day and lint removed. 1.6.8 Describe the procedure for waxing calender beds. 1.6.9 Explain why it is important for calender beds to be waxed. 1.6.10 Demonstrate how you process linen using the ironer. 1.6.11 Describe the procedure to be followed when switching off the feeding/ ironer/folder/stacker production line. 26 Linen Services Workbook

1.6.12 Describe the types of items which are processed at the dryfold area. 1.6.13 Describe the process to be followed when a blockage occurs on the folder at the first fold (high level) stage and at the final fold (low level) stage. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 27

2. Health and Safety and maintaining the environment Health and Safety capabilities will be covered by a number of individuals within your organisation. For example, those responsible for fire safety, incident reporting, manual handling, COSHH, etc. will provide you with information and training as required. There is a legal requirement for you to have some of these capabilities in order to demonstrate that you can comply with the Health and Safety regulations for your workplace. This section allows you to record that you have completed this training or have the information and capabilities you need. It also sets out some of the capabilities, for you to demonstrate, that are particularly relevant to you as a member of the Linen Services team. 2.1 Safe disposal of waste Waste is generated in many forms and many of them have the potential to harm staff and patients unless dealt with correctly. The spread of infection through contamination and injury caused by sharp equipment (e.g. needles, broken glass or knives) are just a two examples of hazards that you should be aware of. You can: 2.1.1 Give examples of the types of waste you need to dispose of in your job. Describe the procedures you need to follow when disposing of the waste, and explain why these procedures are important. Achieved 2.1.2 Explain the importance of complying with waste policies and procedures. 2.1.3 Demonstrate the procedures for safe handling, storage and disposal of different types of waste you mentioned in 2.1.1. 2.1.4 Explain the procedure to be followed when objects such as needles, contaminated cotton wool, medication, etc. arrive in the laundry department from ward areas. 28 Linen Services Workbook

2.1.5 Describe the procedure you would follow in the event of a spillage of waste. 2.1.6 Work in a way that ensures compliance with current legislation and promotes best practice with regard to the safe segregation and handling of waste. Dealing with spillage Spillage can pose a number of risks. You should be aware of such risks and, where applicable in your role, be able to prevent or remove them. 2.1.7 Describe different types of spillage you may have to deal with. 2.1.8 Describe the local procedures you should follow in the event of a spillage of chemicals and body fluids. 2.1.9 Work in a way that ensures compliance with current legislation and promotes best practice with regard to dealing with spillage. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 29

2.2 Manual handling Many days are lost each year due to pain, strain or injuries to the back. Nearly all jobs involve some form of manual handling which includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying a range of objects. Use of poor techniques to move materials is the most common cause of injury at work. You can: 2.2.1 Give three different examples of manual handling tasks you carry out in your area of work and explain how you do them safely. Achieved 2.2.2 Explain how to report incidents involving manual handling including near misses and why this is important. 2.2.3 Explain what the key action principles of safer handling are. 2.2.4 Demonstrate how to lift an object using the key action principles of safer handling. 2.2.5 Work in a way that ensures compliance with current legislation and promotes best practice with regard to manual handling. 30 Linen Services Workbook

Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 31

2.3 Workplace hazards Slips, trips and falls are known to be a source of major injury in the workplace. The Linen Services environment also presents specific hazards such as hot and sharp objects. Your role is to minimise the risks of these incidents happening to yourself and others. You can: 2.3.1 Describe and identify situations which might present a hazard to yourself or others. Achieved 2.3.2 Describe three ways that you can minimise hazards in your work area. 2.3.3 Demonstrate safe working practices that minimise hazards (for example slips, trips and falls and dealing with unexpected sharp objects, including the use of hazard warning signs, PPE, etc) Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 32 Linen Services Workbook

2.4 Dealing with incidents Staff and patients in a healthcare environment are at risk of incidents, adverse events or near misses. There are procedures that minimise the risk of them occurring, or help to deal with them if they do occur. Your role is to be aware of, recognise and report all incidents or potentially hazardous situations according to your organisation s policy. 2.4 You can: Achieved 2.4.1 Describe what you should do if the following emergencies occur in your workplace: 1. a fire 2. a security alert 3. a serious accident in your work area 4. a minor accident, where someone needs first aid 2.4.2 Identify those responsible for Health and Safety and risk assessment in your local area and note the location of the risk assessments for your area. 2.4.3 Give 3 examples of risks or hazards which you might meet in your job. Describe the actions you would take if you thought something was hazardous to you and/or others. 2.4.4 State the actions and local reporting procedures you should take when dealing with damaged/broken equipment in your area. Linen Services Workbook 33

2.4.5 Demonstrate the location of first aid equipment. 2.4.6 Identify the person(s) responsible for first aid in your local work area. 2.4.7 Demonstrate the location of fire fighting equipment, fire exits, break glass points and the emergency assembly point. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 34 Linen Services Workbook

2.5 Dealing with substances hazardous to health (COSHH) During the course of your work, you will come into contact with substances hazardous to health e.g. cleaning chemicals. These can be harmful to you and those around you if they are not prepared, used and disposed of correctly. Manufacturers instructions and/or workplace policies must be adhered to in order to minimise the risks posed. You can: 2.5.1 Select and prepare the appropriate cleaning chemicals required for specific tasks. Achieved 2.5.2 State the chemicals used for wash processes, cleaning surfaces, floors and washing up by hand. 2.5.3 Describe the precautions taken in each case in 2.5.2. 2.5.4 Use cleaning substances correctly in accordance with manufacturers instructions and/or workplace policies. 2.5.5 Identify the person to whom you should report any differences between manufacturers instructions and workplace policies. Linen Services Workbook 35

2.5.6 Identify the correct PPE to be used with each cleaning chemical and know the location of PPE items. 2.5.7 Identify the person to whom you should report when the correct PPE is not available. 2.5.8 Work in a way that ensures compliance with current legislation and promotes best practice with regard to using substances hazardous to health. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 36 Linen Services Workbook

2.6 Personal security You should be aware of procedures that are in place to protect you and your colleagues, including your own role in ensuring personal safety/security at work. You can: 2.6.1 Describe your responsibilities and those of your line manager regarding your personal security at work. Achieved 2.6.2 Describe at least 3 things which you should do to ensure that your workplace is safe for patients, other staff members and yourself. 2.6.3 Describe the actions you would take if you were concerned about your personal security or the security of your work environment. 2.6.4 Give an example of suspicious behaviour, describe a suspicious package and identify an appropriate person to whom this should be reported. 2.6.5 Give an example of a breach of security and how to report it. Linen Services Workbook 37

Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... 38 Linen Services Workbook

3. Providing a high quality service 3.1 Safe management of linen Good linen care can make a significant difference to patient wellbeing and the overall patient experience. Your knowledge of linen care is central to this, along with customer service capabilities. You can: Achieved 3.1.1 Explain the importance of linen care for the patients health and wellbeing. 3.1.2 Explain the procedures used to pack linen in order that it is received in a high quality condition. 3.1.3 Describe the local procedure for ordering and delivering linen to the customers. 3.1.4 Describe the procedure to be followed for amending orders. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 39

3.2 Working with patients and other customers Your work may bring you into contact with patients and their visitors. In addition to good practice in linen hygiene and Health and Safety, the way in which you deal with people around you can make a big difference to the service you provide. Remember that when you wear your uniform, patients and colleagues will recognise you as a member of the Linen Services team. Acting in a professional and responsible manner will help to instil confidence into those around you. Presenting a good image of yourself, the Linen Services team and your organisation, knowing how to communicate with different people and understanding when you should seek help, are important aspects of your role. You can: Achieved 3.2.1 Present a positive image of yourself and the service. 3.2.2 State three types of information that you should not pass on to others and explain why this is important. 3.2.3 Describe how a patient s behaviour might be affected by their condition or medication. Choose an example and describe how you would deal sensitively with the situation. 3.2.4 You have a duty to work in ways which respects other people s beliefs and preferences. Describe at least 3 examples of how you do this in your work role. 40 Linen Services Workbook

3.2.5 Give an example of behaviour which discriminates against others. Describe the action you should take if another member of staff acted in this way. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 41

3.3 Working with colleagues NHSScotland relies upon everyone in the Linen Services team to work together in a professional and productive manner. It is important to know what is expected of you, when to seek help from your colleagues and what type of information should be passed on to those that need to know. You can: 3.3.1 Give examples of the different groups of people you come into contact with in your role, and describe how your role relates to each group. Achieved 3.3.2 Explain how you communicate effectively with people from each of the groups you have mentioned in 3.3.1. You should think about the forms of communication you use and how your style of communication might change from case to case. 3.3.3 Choose an example from your work of a time when you have had to deal with a communication problem with someone from one of the groups you have mentioned in 3.3.1. Describe in detail what you did to overcome the problem, and how successful you were. 3.3.4 Accurately report and/or record work activities according to organisational procedures. 42 Linen Services Workbook

3.3.5 Give an example of information that should be passed onto your line manager. 3.3.6 Give at least 3 examples of where you need the advice or permission of your supervisor or colleagues before taking action. Explain why you need this permission/advice. 3.3.7 Outline the provisions of the Dignity at Work policy. Completed If any of these are examples of how you can break the Chain of Infection, you could add these to the table in Part B of this Workbook. Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 43

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Part B. Additional and completion information

Part B. Additional and completion information In this part of the Workbook, you can record additional information which is important in your role as a member of the Linen Services team. This includes information about: how you can break the Chain of Infection linen management systems your own training needs and your completion of training. In addition, this part contains the Statement of completion which your supervisor will sign once you have completed the Workbook. The Chain of Infection At different points in this Workbook, you are asked to identify the steps you can take to break the links in the Chain of Infection. Use this table to make notes about how your actions can help prevent Infection. The link in the Chain of Infection Protecting linen from contamination Write down an example of this part of the chain which you might come across in your work Write down an example of how you can break this link in the course of your work Preventing bacteria multiplying Destroy bacteria present in linen When you have completed all the boxes that apply to you, read through them and use the examples to describe below how you, as a member of the Linen Services team, can help stop contamination occurring in your area. Completed Signed:... Date:... Linen Services Workbook 47

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) By using the range of precautions set out in the SICPs, you will be able to reduce the spread of infection. Health Protection Scotland (HPS) defines the SICPs as: perform hand hygiene use personal protective equipment prevent occupational exposure to infections manage blood and body fluid spillages manage care equipment control of the environment safely dispose of waste, including sharps safely manage linen provide care in the most appropriate place. using or applying good respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Which of the skills that you have demonstrated are examples of a SICP? Use the table below to show how and when you do the following: SICPs Example from your own practice Perform hand hygiene Use Personal Protective Equipment Prevent occupational exposure to infection Manage blood and body fluid spillages Manage care equipment Control of the environment Safely dispose of waste, including sharps Safely manage linen Provide care in the most appropriate place Using or applying good respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette Completed Signed:... Date:... 48 Linen Services Workbook

Other areas of education and training As you work through the workbook, you might identify areas where you require additional learning. You should make sure that you plan and record your learning. You can speak with your supervisors about how you can use your NHS Board s KSF PDP/PDR documents and systems to help you do this. These documents and systems will help you identify any training needs you have, and track how your knowledge and skills are improving. Statement of completion When you have completed the Workbook your supervisor will sign below. Statement of completion Name Title Signature Date Supervisor s name Continuing your development Completion of this Workbook is a demonstration of the capabilities that you currently possess. However, it is important that you continue to develop these capabilities and maintain your awareness of good Linen Services practice. There are a number of ways to do this. For instance, you can: observe the practice of an experienced colleague study local policies on laundry standards familiarise yourself with national guidelines explore printed or online sources of information undertake courses such as the SVQ in Laundry Operations undertake a risk assessment course learn more about the control of substances hazardous to health attend refresher courses on violence and aggression, manual handling and fire safety study local polices on Equality and Diversity and Dignity at Work attend a PDP course or one on the KSF. The Cleanliness Champions programme, for example, is available to all NHS staff who wish to undertake specific training in healthcare-related hygiene. Your supervisor will have more information about this. Use this space to plan and monitor this with your supervisor and to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning. Linen Services Workbook 49

50 Linen Services Workbook

Appendices

Appendices Appendix 1 - Local training schedule In order to complete this Workbook it may be necessary to work through the tasks in an order set out by your supervisor. Local management will provide further details on any necessary schedule. e.g. Expected order Part A. Recording knowledge and skills 1.1 Personal hygiene 1.2 Introduction to safe management of linen 1.3 Protecting clean linen from contamination 1.4 Preventing germs (pathogens) e.g. mildew from multiplying 1.5 Destruction of pathogens 1.6 Equipment 2.1 Safe disposal of waste 2.2 Manual handling 2.3 Workplace hazards 2.4 Dealing with incidents 2.5 Dealing with substances hazardous to health (COSHH) 2.6 Personal security 3.1 Safe management of linen 3.2 Working with patients and other customers 3.3 Working with colleagues Part B. Additional and completion information The Chain of Infection Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) Other areas of education and training Statement of completion Continuing your development Appendices Appendix 1 - Local training schedule Appendix 2 - Local work instructions Linen Services Workbook 53

Appendix 2 - Local work instructions Your supervisor will be able to provide you with local work instructions for your area and machines. These instructions may contain detailed instructions for undertaking specific tasks in the following work areas: reception storage sorting washing ironing folding packing clean linen store exchange trolley ward/clinic top up any other procedures. 54 Linen Services Workbook

First published Summer 2011 by NHS National Services Scotland Health Facilities Scotland 3rd Floor Meridian Court 5 Cadogan Street Glasgow G2 6QE Tel: 0141 207 1600 nss.hfsenquiries@nhs.net www.hfs.scot.nhs.uk In partnership with NHS Education for Scotland Thistle House Office 91 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5HD