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Most major cleaning occurs just prior to a special event (AAHA visit, etc) but cleaning can and should be accomplished on a regular basis!



Organizing a cleaning schedule is ideal for the person who likes to make lists. But look on the bright side if you don’t like lists, you will probably only have to make that list once! Here are some tips to help you get started.



1. Assign a specific cleaning day. A time when the clinic is not open or closes early/opens late works best or assign a day that extra time or staff can address the cleaning list. Things that are done on this day are weekly, monthly, or quarterly things (like waxing, painting, equipment tear down/clean/repair)



2. Make up a nightly check out/off list for the little things that need to be done daily



3. Decide which chores can be done during work hours and which need to be done when there are no clients accompanying their pets in the hospital.



4. You can incorporate inventory control at the same time (check supplies, expiration dates, etc.)



5. Items that should be done more than monthly can be placed on a “to do” list that can be done anytime, but should included a “do by this date”. This might be: taking apart deceased files, moving older radiographs to storage, checking outside dryer vent, etc.



6. Have a calendar of the year and list monthly “to do’s” and things that must be done quarterly (hospital maintenance items) or you can do a monthly check off list for the 12 months a year and incorporate the quarterly and infrequent things in to that list. People should check them off or initial them when completed.

NOTE: If you have a printed list up for everyone to see, there is never an excuse for “there’s nothing to do”.



7. SAMPLE Calendar:
January: figure out any new fees, redo estimates, check quality control with outside labs
February: post injury summary from previous year (OSHA form 200), silver recovery removal
March: First day of Spring….Spring cleaning!
April: X-ray machine calibration
May: justify inventory of controlled drugs – everything
June: prepare medical waste report form (due date differs in each state)
July: Turn in medical waste report form
August: copy front and back of your canceled medical waste report canceled check together with your generator number.
Sept.: Order Rabies tags for next year to get the early bird discount
Oct.: Happy National Veterinary Technician Week – Do Something!
Nov.:. Traditional Fire Extinguisher Inspection Time (by outside professional) (you should be doing a monthly in-house basic check as well)
Dec.: Continue inventory plan (which ones you are going to keep/delete)



8. Work in a maintenance checklist like the ones available from AAHA (www.aaha.org) forms booklet. These checklists are separated into areas of the hospital (i.e. surgery, wards/exercise area, radiology, treatment/prep area, merchandising/reception/records area, exam rooms, parking/grounds, employee lounge, etc.)



TIPS:

1. Make sure you train people exactly how you want things done

2. Make sure you have some supervision over what is being done (especially on equipment)

3. Make sure “more” does NOT always equal “better” (especially with cleaning detergents/solutions) Some over-strength cleaning solutions and mixtures can be dangerous!

4. Everyone should be cleaning, but you should delineate different levels (i.e. equipment by techs or trusted assistants, reception area by receptionists, everything else should be the responsibility of everyone else)

5. HOSPITAL POLICY – “If you see it you clean it”

6. Make cleaning days FUN (i.e. casual dress, order food for the employees or take them out to dinner afterwards)

7. Washing machines and dryers should be moved and cleaned under and around at least monthly. Make sure you have a good working relationship with your repairman so that if one goes down, they know you need repairs NOW, not in a few days. This goes for any of your essential equipment.



OUTSIDE the clinic:

1. Keep it clean (bushes trimmed, yard raked and mowed, poop picked up, clean parking lot)

2. Well lighted signage (for changeable signs make sure things are spelled correctly, no missing letters, etc.)

3. Building – trim painted, no peeling, no cobwebs, windows clean



INSIDE the clinic:

1. Clutter – remove out dated magazines frequently, keep kids corner items picked up and in good condition, minimize counter clutter

2. Appearance – make entrance feel inviting, friendly, and caring. You are taking care of their families. (extra little decor things like painting the walls, using animal print wallpaper/edging, etc.).

3. Make sure your client reception and exam room areas have clean, safe furniture.



WHAT TO DO WITH THE OLD STUFF:

1. Recycle!

2. Replace catalogs with newer ones (duct tape binding and 3 hole punch it and keep it in a 3-ring binder)

3. Cut out pictures and use to decorate info board in the waiting room or employee lounge, maybe use for themes.

4. Donate old catalogs, magazines to preschools and elementary schools to use for arts and crafts



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