AWRC achieves 98% in NHS infection inspection
This article was written by Caroline Pudner and originally published on We Are Hallam
Staff, students, partners and patients use our Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, so it must be kept safe and clean.
That’s why the NHS performs an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) inspection of the AWRC each year – if it failed, the centre would have to pause operations.
The good news is that the AWRC has just passed the audit with a whopping 98% score!
Operations Manager, Amanda Brothwell puts the excellent outcome down to superb collaboration and various teams pulling together. So we caught up with Amanda to find out more…
How did everyone get ready for this inspection, Amanda?
The preparation for deep cleaning took a few weeks. We had to clean all our machines and equipment, and check our stocks, so we scheduled it very carefully.
Just before we started, we had to put a contingency plan in place because of staff shortage and the availability of spaces.
I was impressed by our team’s flexible approach to these changes – their ability to adapt and work together ensured that deep cleaning was finished on time.
Which teams would you like to give a ‘shout-out’ to?
Many colleagues helped to clean the clinical spaces. I’d particularly like to mention:
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The Domestic team, led by Edyta Sokol (our Delivery Officer for AWRC/NCEFE), Wendy Furniss, the Unit Leader, and Wendy France and Caroline Acton, our Domestics.
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Our security porters, Dan Shelton and Dawn Glasper assisted in moving furniture.
- The local TORS team, led by Brent Robbins (Specialist Technical Manager), and our Assistant Technicians, Chantelle Moran-Healy and Jason Tan.
What are you most proud of?
The high score of 98% reflects the outstanding performance of the team. We’ve worked very closely together, and know what we’ll need to do to maintain this high standard. We’re always reviewing our operations, looking for ways to make it even more efficient and carry on offering a first-class service to our users.
How important is collaboration to you personally?
As Operations Manager, it’s the key to everything running like clockwork at the AWRC! It’s so important that the teams work collaboratively, not only in the clinical spaces but across the AWRC.
Many thanks Amanda!
‘It’s great working in a team like this, as we all have different skills, so can support and help each other. We work really hard keeping the clinical areas clean and tidy, replacing consumables and looking after the equipment.
I’m so glad our hard work showed and we got such a good outcome on the inspection!’
Chantelle Moran-Healy, Assistant Technician
‘The outcome of the AWRC’s Infection Prevention and Control audit is outstanding and reflects a huge amount of work behind the scenes to both prepare our facilities and manage the audit process. This is an excellent example of collaborative working at its best, and I am particularly delighted that this has been recognised by external stakeholders.’
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor
‘Because the AWRC is used for NHS clinics everything has to be spotless, from the windows and walls to chair legs! We all chip in to get the results we need, standing in for and learning from one another which also means we gain additional skills. The model works really well.’
Dawn Glasper, Security Attendant Porter, Multiskilled Team