Medirest awarded Exemplar site status at Royal Surrey Hospital

Medirest, the healthcare division of Compass Group UK and Ireland, and its partner, Royal Surrey Hospital, have been awarded ‘Exemplar’ site status for the early and proficient implementation of the 2021 National Standards for Cleaning. The recognition acknowledges the delivery of the best-in-class service and that they will share learnings and experiences to enable other trusts to follow suit.

Medirest has worked in partnership with Royal Surrey since 1994 and in 2014 took on the delivery of extra services including cleaning and portering, with waste and pest control added in 2021.

Royal Surrey is the first hospital to receive the accreditation from NHS England for cleaning, acknowledging the smooth and professional implementation of the 2021 standards. The approach has been collaborative in developing the new standards with the NHS and early engagement has meant teams have been trained to deliver operationally for some time. This has been done through a partnership approach, which sets an example to other NHS hospitals. Cleaning innovations include utilising its a+ cleaning system and the introduction of a cleaning robot.

Medirest recently hosted a webinar entitled ‘Achieving Exemplar site status for National Standards for Cleaning – a case study’ for over 300 attendees, to discuss the implementation of the standards alongside the launch of Medirest Focus, its expert practitioner division for cleaning.

Gary Mountjoy, associate director of estates and facilities at Royal Surrey Hospital, said: “A true, integrated partnership approach has allowed Medirest and our team to work side by side and achieve some forward-thinking examples of innovation over the years. From the cleaning robot to the introduction of the wellness garden, rolling out the Steamplicity catering system and the general support during the testing times of the pandemic – we have created and evolved a dynamic partnership that enables us to care for patients in the best way possible. I am very proud to be part of this work.”

Russell Blake, managing director, Compass Group UK & Ireland – Healthcare, said: “Our ambition is to create integrated partnerships that work for the specific needs of our clients and their patients, visitors and staff. This is done through our 'Performance with Heart' purpose - so we’re absolutely delighted to have our hard work at Royal Surrey acknowledged in this way. I am so pleased with our team’s achievements in creating brilliant cleaning and catering services, alongside an innovative offer.”

www.compass-group.co.uk