How to deliver an award-winning laundry facility at your care home

Achieving clean, infection-free laundry involves more than just high-performance machines. It also requires efficient design and processes as well as regular staff training.

For some inspiration on what can be achieved, WASHCO, the commercial laundry specialist, catches up with the joint winner of its Love Laundry Hero Award, Sarah Williamson, laundry manager from Canwick House Care Home in Lincoln, whose changes have improved infection control and staff engagement.

What changes have you made to Canwick House’s laundry facility since joining the home?

Since becoming part of the team, I’ve introduced many small improvements to the laundry. In particular, I enjoy assisting staff to maintain a new culture and understanding of the importance of infection control within the laundry room environment.

But the biggest change has been to the layout of the laundry room. The home is located in a beautiful listed building and the laundry room is in a small space. Changing the design and layout of the room has meant a more user-friendly experience as well as total IPC (infection prevention and control) compliance. We’ve removed old pipe work and a butler sink, as well as introduced splash back tiles, new colour coordinated systems and regular staff training around laundry management.

You mentioned you enjoy helping the team; what training has been put in place?

After completing a ‘Train the Trainer’ course which management suggested, I now undertake regular training for all staff. This means we can go through relatable in-house experiences and discuss challenges laundry staff may be facing. I am on hand daily to support staff and give that motivation and encouragement.

How have your changes positively impacted the team and your laundry results?

All members of staff have shown a greater confidence around laundry management. Where previously, the wrong washes were used – often a ‘hot wash’, we now have a better understanding of the programmes available and how our machines operate, so we can use them to the most efficient and correct procedure.

Staff feedback that they feel confident when entering the laundry room and are able to solve any issues, whereas before they would have needed to call on others for help.

Looking to achieve the same in your care home? WASHCO can help!

WASHCO’s aim is to work with your care home to find the right cost-effective laundry solution that meets your needs.

From conducting site surveys to helping establish the optimum working environment to installing energyefficient laundry equipment and delivering staff training, WASHCO has helped care homes across the UK transform both their laundry facilities and their processes.

To help keep laundry simple, WASHCO has introduced a comprehensive rental package. With no upfront cost, predictable monthly payments and servicing and maintenance included as standard, it’s a great alternative for care homes that may not have the capital to purchase machines outright.

There are many things to consider when running a care home laundry, so WASHCO has compiled a library of handy resources to give you a helping hand. These include a laundry capacity calculator, equipment buyer’s guide, laundry room poster and much more. Scan the QR code to access WASHCO’s care resources.

Alternatively, visit washco.co.uk/freecare-home-resources

To start transforming your laundry, call WASHCO’s expert team on 08000 546 546 or email: info@washco.co.uk