Basic functions To Be Performed by Laundry Department

Laundry service is responsible for providing an adequate, clean and constant supply of linen to all users. The main purpose of this department is to provide clean material to the patients and ensure that hygienic conditions are maintained in the process.

Functions :

1. Collecting soiled linen from various places.

2. Sorting the linen and processing them

3. Inspecting and repairing or replacing damaged materials.

4. Disinfection of contaminated linen prior to washing

5. Distributing clean linen to the respective user departments.

6. Maintaining different types of registers.

Activities to be performed:

·         Collection of the linen should be done on a daily basis.

·          Dirty linen is segregated as soiled linen, unsoiled linen in the ward by the ward boy

·         Don’t mix the soiled or infected linen with the non infected linen.

·         A separate register should be maintained by the nurse in-charge in which the details of the number and type of linen handed over to the laundry boy for washing and received after cleaning is maintained

·         Disinfectant such as 1 % sodium hypochlorite solution should be used for disinfection of linen. A solution should be made in 1:10 ratio and infected linen should be dipped for about half an hour in the solution.

·         The persons handling the soiled/stained linen should use appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves, aprons etc. while handling infected linens.

·         Use the detergents in appropriate amount and do not reuse dirty water for rinsing.

·         Sterilise the linen set for OT or labour room.

·         Sun-dry the washed & rinsed linen and clip the linen while drying so that linen doesn’t fall down on ground and then store the clean linens in a clean area.

·         Linens should be regularly inspected for damage by the in-charge nurse and, if any linen is damaged beyond repair then discard those ones.

If clean and sterile  linen is provided to patients ie their bed sheet, body linen, then the satisfaction rate of patients will be high, which will provide a bench mark for the hospital in the service part.