Housekeeping is an integral part of any institution, and that is even more evident in a hospital. At Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), housekeeping ensures a clean and pleasant atmosphere for both patients and staff.
The purpose of the week is to recognize the heroes in the front lines to keep facilities clean and safe for the workers and visitors. KUTRRH has not been left behind in celebrating the dedicated men and women who take care of the hospital.
The role of housekeeping in hospitals is to create a peaceful, infection-free and pleasant atmosphere required for the speedy recovery of the patients. It also creates a homely atmosphere for the patients; hence, housekeeping is critical in hospitals. Housekeeping also reduces the number of microorganisms that may come into contact with the patients, visitors, staff, and the community.
The main functions of Housekeeping in Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) include:
- Overall cleanliness of the facility;
- Ensuring maintenance of the building and its infrastructure;
- Waste management;
- Pest control;
- Infection control;
- Safety and security of the patients;
- Infrastructure and interior decoration;
- Replenishing of consumables and linen management.
It is the responsibility of the Housekeeping Department to ensure clean and hygienic washing of all linen and then distributing them to different areas of the hospital at the right time.
International Housekeepers Week was first observed in the early ‘1980s’ which started with a directive from the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) President. This year 2021 marks the 40th Anniversary of International Housekeepers Week. The celebrations for this year will be marked from 13th to 18th September 2021. The public health department and the housekeeping team have organized activities from Monday 13th to Friday 18th September 2021, with a grand finale celebration on 18th September 2021 in KUTRRH.
The 2021 Housekeeping week Theme of observance is “HOUSEKEEPING OUR SHINING STARS.”