UK Health Security Agency Issues Linen Processing Guidelines Amidst Bacteria Concerns

The UK Health Security Agency has published an information sheet on linen processing within adult social care. The guidance has been published in reaction to the increased risk of bacteria growing on linen due to the higher temperatures during summer.

While the document is directed at adult social care providers in England, the content will be relevant in other parts of the UK.

In general the advice highlights the need to:

• always keep clean and used linen separate
• store clean linen above floor level, in a clean, cool, dry place
• and maintain a stock rotation of linen, with the oldest linen used first

Additionally the guidance goes into specifics regarding how to use, handle, segregate, store, wash and use trolleys with linen and laundry.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.