Sunday 20 October 2013

Outsourcing

As reported in the Surrey Advertiser the RSCH has decided to out source a number of functions including housekeeping (cleaners). When the vogue for out sourcing was at its peak some years ago the RSCH, wisely to my mind, decided to keep cleaning in -house and expressed itself proud to have done so. They wished to keep a firm and direct hold of cleanliness.

The hospital has clearly changed its mind and to many it appears to have happened very quickly not least because there was no public, competitive tendering (Governors were not consulted or pre-warned). Hospital staff transferred will have their conditions safeguarded through TUPE but understandably are not happy.We must hope that cleanliness standards are upheld as of course they can be. The checks which governors have just agreed to undertake (see earlier blog) will help to ensure that.
Cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance checks

Cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance are extremely important aspects of any hospital. I used to be a member of the Surrey LINk RSCH Group and over a period of about 6 years I organised checks of these features throughout the hospital . When LINk folded to be replaced by Surrey Healthwatch (yet to get in to its stride) such checks lapsed. However I am pleased to say that the Council of Governors has recently agreed to a proposal from me that these checks should be undertaken by a volunteer group of 8 governors working in pairs.

We intend to cover all parts of the hospital other than the wards (wards are encompassed in a different manner and will also involve governors). Our first check visit (to Nuclear medicine and day Surgery) has taken place and we expect to cover all the ground over a 10 month period. Reports will be sent for action to the hospital's  Patient Quality and Safety Committee and to the appropriate head of department.