Sourcing a reliable, knowledgeable and professional pest control service is critical. Patient safety is critical, and maintaining a sanitary healthcare environment is one the most important aspects of it. Cleanliness relies heavily upon effective pest control. Pests can compromise sanitary environments through the spread of bacteria and the contamination of surfaces, linens and implements.
Pest control services are both routine and ad-hoc. Hospitals need to carry out a standard set of scheduled services both indoors and outdoors to ensure ongoing pest prevention for common pests such as cockroaches, rodents, ground insects, flying insects and spiders. At times, ad-hoc services may be required for issues that require immediate attention beyond standard pest control such as the presence of bed bugs, bats or termites.
Scheduling Purchased Services
Vendors may recommend different service schedules based on the type of equipment utilized by your facilities, the type of chemicals they need to use (including environmentally friendly options) and general vendor processes. The vendor should be responsible for keeping specified areas free from pests and should increase pest control service frequency without additional costs if regular treatment proves ineffective.
Sourcing pest control services should include stakeholders who work in facilities and environmental services at all locations which are to be serviced. You may need to conduct walk-throughs to ensure clear expectations, and vendors will likely want to evaluate the locations and all potential points of entry for pests including doors, windows, utility openings, loading docs, vegetation near buildings, roofs, basements, locker rooms, trash storage areas and plumbing. You may also need to consider other aspects such as food storage and linen cleaning methods. Walkthroughs should include indoor and outdoor locations so vendors will have a full understanding of the scope of services. Vendors will also require the square footage for each location, any information about past pest history and information about the type of buildings requiring servicing (clinical, administrative, research, etc.).
Health Systems Negotiation of Purchased Services
Health systems should negotiate a flat monthly or annual cost for each location that requires pest control services. The vendor should be responsible for keeping specified areas free from pests and should increase pest control service frequency without additional costs if regular treatment proves ineffective.
The importance of pest prevention and control for health systems cannot be overstated; establishing effective pest control is directly related to patient safety and the overall reputation of a healthcare facility.
