Institutions Large institutions that require a constant flow of clean linen, working- clothing or uniform, like hospitals, prisons and hotels, will usually have their own laundry departments. The organised collection, laundering and timely delivery of processed material is essential to the operation of the institution. There are two types of institutions which have in-house laundry and maintenance setups, i.e., within their organisation. These are hotels and hospitals.
Both have a large quantum of bed linen and other room furnishing requirements as also staff uniforms and accessories such as aprons, caps, head dresses and masks. The hospital laundry takes care of hygiene, cleanliness and disinfection. However, a number of hospitals have started using disposables where there is a threat of infection, which are then destroyed by burning. Most of the articles in hospitals are of cotton and dyed (in colours specific to the hospital and department) with dyes which have excellent wash-fastness.
Only the blankets are woolen. The daily laundry thus emphasises mainly on cleanliness of cotton materials. Here too the stubborn stains may not be taken notice of and finishing like starching and whitening is not included. Even the ironing and pressing may not be done to perfection.
Repair and mending and condemnation of unusable material may or may not form a part of the services required. In the hospitality sector, i.e. for hotel and restaurants, aesthetics and final finish of the articles are the most important. As compared to hospitals the articles here may be of different fibre contents.
Final finishing of laundered goods, i.e., starching, ironing pressing and correct and perfect folding, are emphasised. They also have to care of guests’ personal laundry when required. As mentioned earlier the smaller hotels may have link ups with commercial laundries from outside. Process of laundry functioning in hospitals .
Collection from Emergency, main OT, OPD, various specialised centres and wards . Transportation from linen bank or directly from hospital to laundry plant . Unloading dirty linen and sorting Bed linen— clean, mildly soiled and very soiled Patients’ dress Doctors’ dress Blankets . Washing is done in large washing machines