ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Clean Hospitals Day will take place on October 20, raising international awareness of the role of healthcare environmental hygiene in patient safety.

This year's theme, Empowerment, highlights the importance of equipping healthcare environmental hygiene teams with the knowledge, resources and support needed to maintain safer environments for patients, staff and visitors.

The annual initiative - established in 2020 by the organisation Clean Hospitals - promotes improved hygiene practices and greater recognition of the professionals responsible for cleaning and disinfection in healthcare facilities. Its scope extends beyond surface cleaning to include hand hygiene, air and water quality, medical device reprocessing, laundry and waste management.

Clean Hospitals, the international network behind the initiative, brings together healthcare organisations, researchers, industry and other stakeholders to share knowledge and encourage evidence-based approaches to environmental hygiene.

The campaign aims to strengthen the visibility of environmental hygiene as an essential part of healthcare, helping to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

A promotional toolkit for 2026 is available to support participation, including posters in multiple languages, social media materials and other resources for healthcare facilities.

Clean Hospitals is encouraging organisations and individuals worldwide to mark the day and recognise the contribution of those working to improve hygiene standards.

Further information and campaign resources are available at: cleanhospitals.com/chday