For the fourth time running, the Department of Health’s Mental Health Service Housekeeping Team has received re-validation as a centre for training and professional excellence from the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). The team was first accredited in 2005 as part of Noble's Hospital and then as Mental Health Service two years later, an accreditation which the team has retained ever since.
Leonard Singer MHK, Member for Mental Health Service said:
'The continuing BICSc re-validation of the Mental Health Service Housekeeping Team demonstrates the importance the Department of Health place on cleanliness and infection control. I would like to congratulate the entire team; this accreditation is testament to their hard work and exemplifies their dedication to developing our services.'
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) is the largest independent professional body in the cleaning industry, with a global reach of 5,000 individual and corporate members. Founded in 1961, the Institute’s vision continues to raise the status and standards of the cleaning industry through education and awareness – no where more important than in the health setting.
In order to be awarded re-validation, the Mental Health Service Housekeeping team took part in an annual comprehensive external audit of working environments, training records and competency assessments of staff. Regular staff training ensures that all areas of the service, from clinical areas such as Grianagh Court and the Children and Adolescent Service to administration offices like Cronk Coar and The Lodge, are cleaned to a nationally recognised standard of excellence.
Marie O’Brien, Cleaning Support Manager said:
'The team continue to strive for excellent service and undergo BICSc Standards Training, similar to that of an NVQ. This training and the high standards achieved are all part of each team member’s development portfolio giving them a sense of purpose and pride in their work. I would like to say thank you and congratulations to the whole team for their hard work, and to Sandra Gilliver, Housekeeper at Grianagh Court, who passed her accredited trainer exams.'
