Health Minister launches poster showing seven steps to cleanliness

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today launched a new poster to promote ward sisters and charge nurses as champions of a cleaner, safer environment for patients.

The ‘Seven Steps to Environmental Cleanliness’ poster sets out key areas where the ward sister will take the lead on behalf of patients and their health and social care organisation in tackling healthcare associated infection.

At the launch of the poster in the new Downe Hospital, Downpatrick, the Minister said: “The seven steps identified in this poster provide reassurance to patients and carers that the ward sister is the person in charge of the clinical environment in our healthcare facilities.

“They are the dedicated staff who will ensure our wards are kept as clean as possible, giving patients and their families confidence when they come in for treatment.

“This will strengthen the role of the ward sister and provide them with the support and authority to set, maintain and monitor standards to ensure that effective infection control measures are in place.”

Chief Nursing Officer, Martin Bradley welcomed this update to the Ward Sister’s Charter that was published in 2006. He said: “Nurses and midwives are the champions of the patient experience and are well placed to ensure that patients experience clean, calm and safe environments for the provision of care.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The poster is available to download from the DHSSPS website.

2. Enquiries relating to the seven steps poster, please contact: Kathy Fodey, Nursing Officer, Education Regulation and Workforce, kathy.fodey@dhsspsni.gov.uk

3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.