Laundry Services

The Laundry Department at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital plays a critical role in ensuring hygiene, infection control, and patient safety by providing clean and sanitized linen and garments to all hospital units. It supports both clinical and non-clinical departments by handling a wide range of washable items including bed sheets, patient gowns, staff uniforms, curtains, surgical drapes, and towels.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Collection of Soiled Linen:

ü  Collecting used linen from wards, theatres, clinics, and other service points.

ü  Sorting linens according to type and level of contamination.

2. Washing & Disinfection:

ü  Utilizing industrial washing machines with hospital-grade disinfectants to clean linen.

ü  Ensuring high-temperature washing cycles for infection control.

3. Drying and Ironing:

ü  Using tumble dryers and industrial ironing machines to dry and press linen.

ü  Ensuring that all linen is wrinkle-free and presentable for hospital use.

4. Folding & Distribution:

ü  Proper folding, packaging, and timely delivery of clean linen back to respective departments.

5. Sterilized Linen Support:

ü  Collaborating with the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) to provide sterilized linen to operating theatres and procedural units.

Staff and Equipment:

• Staff includes laundry attendants, machine operators, and a supervisor.
• Equipped with:

ü  Heavy-duty washing machines and dryers

ü  Industrial ironing and folding machines

ü  Trolleys for transport of linen

ü  Safety gear for workers

Infection Prevention Measures:

• Clear separation of clean and dirty linen areas.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by laundry staff.
• Regular sanitation of machines and work areas.

Importance to Hospital Operations:

The laundry department ensures a continuous supply of clean linen, which is crucial for:

• Reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
• Improving patient comfort and dignity
• Supporting surgical and inpatient care workflows

Future Plans:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient machines
• Digital tracking system for linen inventory
• Expansion to support growing patient load