About Our Department

The Domestic Services department provides essential cleaning services to maintain safe, clean environments for patients, visitors, and staff across our three hospital sites (Aintree, Royal and Broadgreen). We work closely with the Infection Prevention and Control team to ensure all areas meet the required cleaning standards.

Aintree Hospital Services:

  • 340 Specialist Staff Members
  • 250+ Clinical Cleans Daily (increasing during winter pressures)

Our department operates across all three sites, providing 24/7 coverage to support the Trust's needs. As a support service, we're accountable for maintaining cleanliness to prevent healthcare-associated infections and ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

Our Services

Clinical and Non-Clinical Cleaning

Our department provides comprehensive cleaning services across all hospital sites. We deliver clinical cleaning to wards, theatres, and patient areas, alongside non-clinical cleaning for offices, public areas, and catering outlets. Our service extends to beverage/hostess services, providing refreshments to patients, and specialised enhanced cleaning in response to infection risks.

Infection Prevention Support

Working closely with the Infection Prevention and Control team, we help prevent healthcare-associated infections. Our risk-based approach classifies areas from very high-risk (FR1) to low-risk (FR6), ensuring appropriate cleaning frequencies. Our Rapid Response Team delivers specialised terminal cleaning when patients with infections are discharged.

Enhanced Cleaning Services

We follow a colour-coded system for different types of terminal cleaning based on infection type:

Type of Clean

Requirements

Used For

Red

Chlorine clean, curtain change, shower curtain change (if ensuite), HPV/UVC disinfection

C. difficile, CPE, Norovirus infections

Pink

Chlorine clean, UVC disinfection

High-risk areas: ITU/Critical Care, Renal Transplant, Infectious Disease wards (isolation rooms only)

Amber

Chlorine clean, curtain change

MRSA, VRE, unexplained diarrhoea, respiratory infections (including Flu, COVID-19)

Green

Chlorine clean

Standard discharge with no identified infection

Specialised Cleaning Equipment

Our Rapid Response Team utilises advanced disinfection technologies across our hospital sites:

Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) System

Used at Aintree and Broadgreen sites, this system distributes a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide vapour that fills the entire space in a room regardless of configuration. It works effectively around corners, in shadow areas and behind equipment, providing a 6-log reduction in harmful microorganisms. The HPV system is particularly valuable for thorough decontamination, creating a safe environment by breaking down into water and oxygen after use.

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) Technology

Deployed primarily at the Royal Liverpool site, this advanced system uses continuous wave light energy at germicidal wavelengths to disinfect without chemicals for faster room turnaround. The UVC technology provides effective disinfection in as little as 20 minutes and works particularly well in critical care and high-risk areas. This approach is more efficient than chemical methods and allows for quicker return of rooms to service.

Our trained operators are certified to use these specialised technologies safely and effectively. The Rapid Response Team undergoes specific training to safely operate this equipment in line with manufacturer guidelines and infection prevention protocols.

Our Cleaning Process

Terminal Cleaning Process

When a patient with an infection is discharged, our Rapid Response Team follows this process:

  1. Preparation: Nursing staff prepare the area by removing patient items and handling clinical waste
  2. Deep Cleaning: Our team thoroughly cleans all surfaces, equipment, and high-touch areas
  3. Disinfection: Specialised methods including HPV (Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour) at Aintree and Broadgreen, and UVC technology at the Royal site
  4. Verification: All cleans are formally signed off between Domestic Services and Nursing staff

The approximate timeframes for terminal cleaning with advanced disinfection are:

  • HPV disinfection: 2.5-3 hours for side rooms, 3.5-5 hours for multi-occupancy bays
  • UVC disinfection: 45-60 minutes for side rooms (includes 20-minute UV cycle)

Our Leadership Team

Our Domestic Services department is managed by an experienced leadership team that ensures cleaning standards meet national requirements across all hospital sites.

The team structure consists of senior managers supported by assistant managers and supervisors who oversee day-to-day operations:

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Position

Responsibilities

Domestic Services Manager

Overall management of the department, staff, and budget

Deputy Manager

HR processes, payroll, recruitment, and staff resources

Assistant Managers

Operational management across different areas and shifts

Supervisors

Direct oversight of cleaning teams and quality standards

Our managers work closely with Infection Prevention and Control, Clinical Teams, and Estates to maintain safe environments for patients and staff.

Contact Us

For terminal cleaning requests:

Aintree Site

  • Mon-Fri (8:30-17:00): Infection Prevention & Control Team - Ext 4930 or Bleep 4499
  • Outside hours: Site Managers - Bleep 3456 or 4635

Royal & Broadgreen Sites

  • 24/7: Patient Flow Team - Ext 2261