Page 33 - CIJ Sept 2025- Digital Edition

WASHROOM HYGIENE

Hospital washroom hygiene is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of
patient safety and infection prevention. Contaminated washrooms can
become breeding grounds for pathogens, significantly increasing the risk of
Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs). These high-risk areas — with constant
moisture and frequent use — can harbour a wide range of bacteria, fungi
and viruses, posing a serious threat to immunocompromised patients as
well as healthcare staff. Dr Smrutilata Sahoo, Consultant Microbiologist &
Infection Control Officer, Ashwini Group of Hospitals, shares her insights on
ways to safeguard everyone in a hospital environment.

Lack of of security regarding hygiene
Standardised standards. Moreover, patients and
visitors may not be aware of their
Protocols role in preventing infections,
Without clear and documented leading to improper use and
procedures, washroom contamination of washroom
hygiene can be inconsistent facilities.
and ineffective. The absence To maintain a high standard
of a systematic schedule for of cleanliness, periodic audits of
preventive maintenance and washroom hygiene and infection
sanitation can lead to overlooked
areas and a higher risk of control compliance must be
contamination. conducted. These audits help
identify non-compliance and
Hospitals must establish a ensure corrective actions are Hospital washroom
clear strategy for infection taken promptly. In addition,
management that includes educating patients and their hygiene is not just
documented schedules for attendants is a vital component of about cleanliness;
cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention. it is about patient
maintenance. This includes
providing adequate hand hygiene Visual instructions on proper safety and infection
facilities such as soap, hand rub hand hygiene should be displayed prevention. When
and paper towels. in washrooms, and patients should protocols are lax
To ensure accountability, the be encouraged to report any soiled or monitoring is
administration and infection or malfunctioning facilities. By inconsistent, we put
control teams must work together ensuring that staff are well-trained
to conduct regular cleaning, and that patients are aware of both patients and
disinfection and monitoring their responsibilities, hospitals can healthcare workers
of high-touch areas. Periodic create a shared environment of at risk. A well-
audits of washroom hygiene and hygiene and safety. designed strategy,
infection control compliance
are also essential to identify and regular audits and
address any lapses. awareness among
Inadequate all stakeholders are
Monitoring key to keeping these

Even with protocols in high-risk areas safe.
place, continuous monitoring — Dr Smrutilata Sahoo
and training of staff are often
neglected. This can lead to non- SCAN / CLICK HERE TO
compliance and a false sense ASK THE EXPERT

www.cleanindiajournal.com • Clean India Journal • SEPTEMBER 2025 33