1.7 Safe Management of Linen

undefinedClean linen

Linen used during patient transfer

For all used linen (previously known as soiled linen)

For all infectious linen (this mainly applies to healthcare linen)

This is linen that has been used by a patient who is known or suspected to be infectious and/or linen that is contaminated with blood and/or other body fluids for example faeces.

Local guidance regarding management of linen may be available.  

All linen that is deemed unfit for re-use, for example torn or heavily contaminated, should be categorised at the point of use and returned to the laundry for disposal. 

Resources

Further information can be found in the safe management of linen literature review and National Guidance for Safe Management of Linen in NHSScotland Health and Care Environments - For laundry services/distribution.

Further information about linen bagging and tagging can be found in Appendix 8.

Scottish Government uniform, dress code and laundering policy is available.