Lourdes Valley Hostel, SA
Better Practice in Laundry
An opportunity to create a state of the art best practice model laundry arose when Southern Cross Care initiated plans to redevelop the existing Hostel facility at Lourdes Valley.
The physical layout of the former laundry created both time delays in return of laundry to residents and posed a high risk for cross contamination to both linen and staff. Staff work practices were impeded by shortage of equipment, insufficient space to function, lack of storage facilities and poor environmental climate control.
The Housekeeper, Bernadette Robertson, took the initiative to research what incorporates best practice in laundry design. A literature search was conducted along with consultation with laundry specialists and a review of Australian / New Zealand 4146:2000 for facilities.
A state of the art laundry was designed including the introduction of linen chutes which would reduce the odour and number of trolleys in passageways, and provide a system of flow that would ensure soiled and clean linen never came into contact. The development process included informal meetings and discussion with laundry staff.
Direct communication with the architects involved in the re-development was maintained throughout the entire construction process. Trials of the laundry chute resulted in further redesign adjustments.
The additional equipment provides facilities for laundering "special request items" and a personal approach to resident's clothing and items without impacting upon staff time frames/work loads. This promotes individual choice and ensuring maximum care of personal items.
The design and new equipment has reduced the risk of manual handling injuries to staff, minimised the risk of cross contamination when handling soiled linen, eliminated staff handling and risk of exposure to chemicals and prevents the spread of organisms by aerosol when water is dumped.
Polycarb swing doors provides a barrier between clean and dirty areas, ensuring air contamination is minimised and eliminates the need to manually open and close doors.
An external auditor assessed the laundry/practices according to AS/NZS 4146:2000 meeting 100% compliance. The auditor's comments included "the laundry is well designed and run and is achieving excellent results".
