Healthcare Case Study: St. Mary's Medical Centre

Client Profile

St. Mary's Medical Centre is a 240-bed medical facility located in Greater Manchester, providing a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services to a population of approximately 175,000 people. The hospital employs 840 staff members and handles approximately 65,000 emergency department visits annually.

The Challenge

Prior to implementing Clean Workspaces UK protocols, St. Mary's Medical Centre faced several significant challenges:

• Above-average HAI rates: The facility was experiencing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates 18% above the national average, particularly for C. difficile and surgical site infections
• Inconsistent cleaning protocols: Cleaning procedures varied between departments and shifts, creating gaps in infection control coverage
• Staff compliance challenges: Hand hygiene compliance audits revealed adherence rates of only 61%, well below the target of 90%
• Patient satisfaction concerns: Environmental cleanliness scores on patient satisfaction surveys were in the 37th percentile nationally
• Resource allocation inefficiencies: The facility lacked data-driven methods for prioritizing cleaning resources based on infection risk

Additionally, the hospital was preparing for an upcoming Care Quality Commission inspection and needed to demonstrate significant improvements in infection control practices to maintain accreditation status.

The Solution

Clean Workspaces UK conducted a comprehensive assessment of St. Mary's infection control practices and developed a tailored implementation program focusing on five key areas:

1. Risk-Stratified Cleaning Protocols

A comprehensive risk assessment was conducted for all hospital areas, categorizing spaces into five risk tiers based on patient vulnerability, procedures performed, and infection history. Each tier received customized cleaning protocols with:

• Specific product selection guidelines based on pathogen risk profiles
• Detailed cleaning frequencies for different surface types
• Step-by-step methodologies for various clinical scenarios
• Clear expectations for terminal cleaning following patient discharge

These standardized protocols were documented in a searchable electronic system accessible via ward-based tablets, ensuring consistency across shifts and departments. For more information on developing similar protocols, see our guide to creating effective workplace hygiene policies.

2. Objective Verification System

To move beyond visual inspection, an objective surface testing program was implemented using three complementary methods:

• ATP Testing: Quantitative measurement of biological residue on high-touch surfaces
• Fluorescent Marking: Application of invisible markers to verify thoroughness of cleaning
• Targeted Microbial Sampling: Monthly testing for specific pathogens in high-risk areas

Results were captured in a digital dashboard allowing real-time monitoring and trend analysis. Our surface testing methods article provides more details on these verification techniques.

3. Enhanced Hand Hygiene Program

A comprehensive hand hygiene initiative was implemented featuring:

• Installation of 187 additional alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations strategically positioned based on workflow analysis
• Implementation of electronic monitoring system for high-risk areas with individual compliance feedback
• Development of department-specific targets with monthly recognition program
• Peer-to-peer coaching program for sustained behavior change

4. Environmental Optimization

Physical infrastructure improvements included:

• Replacement of difficult-to-clean surface materials in high-risk areas
• Installation of supplementary HEPA filtration units in vulnerable patient areas
• Implementation of UV-C disinfection technology for terminal cleaning
• Redesign of clinical storage systems to facilitate thorough cleaning

For more information on these technologies, refer to our technology-enhanced cleaning solutions article.

5. Integrated Staff Training Program

A tiered training program was developed for all staff involved in maintaining the healthcare environment:

• Core competency training for environmental services staff with hands-on skills verification
• Role-specific modules for clinical staff focused on daily maintenance of the patient environment
• Leadership training for department managers on monitoring and maintaining standards
• Cross-functional training to improve collaboration between clinical and environmental services teams

Training incorporated simulation exercises using fluorescent markers to demonstrate cleaning effectiveness and provide immediate feedback. Our advanced disinfection techniques webinar covers many of the methods taught in this program.

Implementation Process

The implementation followed a structured 16-week process:

A dedicated implementation team consisting of Clean Workspaces UK consultants and hospital staff champions provided support throughout the process, with particular emphasis on the critical transition period during initial implementation.

Results

Twelve months after full implementation, St. Mary's Medical Centre documented substantial improvements across all target metrics:

Additional qualitative benefits included:

• Improved staff engagement and ownership of infection control practices
• More efficient resource allocation through risk-based prioritization
• Enhanced institutional reputation following media coverage of program results
• "Outstanding" rating for infection prevention in subsequent CQC inspection
• Reduced staff absenteeism related to infectious illness

Key Lessons & Best Practices

The St. Mary's implementation yielded valuable lessons applicable to other healthcare facilities:

1. Data-driven approach: Objective measurement was critical for targeting interventions and demonstrating impact
2. Cross-functional collaboration: Success required breaking down traditional silos between clinical and support services
3. Visible leadership support: Senior management participation in training and rounds significantly enhanced staff buy-in
4. Adaptive implementation: While standardization was important, protocols required thoughtful adaptation to different clinical contexts
5. Technology as enabler: Advanced disinfection technologies were valuable, but only when integrated within comprehensive operational systems

For other healthcare facilities looking to implement similar improvements, we recommend reviewing our infection control best practices for high-traffic facilities and economic impact research report.

Related Resources

Case Study Downloads

• Full Case Study Report PDF, 2.4MB
• Implementation Timeline PPT, 1.8MB
• Results Data Summary Excel, 820KB