When it comes to setting up the kitchen in your residential aged care facility, prioritising infection prevention and control is crucial to ensure the well-being of your residents. Residents in such facilities are often more vulnerable to infections, making it essential to maintain a kitchen environment that upholds stringent hygiene standards. Here are some key considerations for setting up your kitchen 

Separate Entry and Exit: Whenever possible, design the kitchen layout to have separate entry and exit points. This minimises the risk of accidents and ensures a smooth flow of traffic within the kitchen 

Employee Mobility: Ensure that there is ample space for employees to move around comfortably within the kitchen. This promotes efficient workflow and reduces the likelihood of congestion 

Efficient Equipment Layout: Arrange kitchen equipment such as cold storage, ovens, hobs, and storage trolleys in an organized and efficient manner. A well-thought-out layout enhances food preparation and service efficiency 

Hygienic Surfaces: Pay close attention to the cleanliness of floors, walls, ceilings, and surfaces. They should comply with local regulations and be designed for easy and effective cleaning. Non-slip flooring is essential to prevent accidents 

Proper Ventilation: Ensure the kitchen is adequately ventilated to maintain a fresh and comfortable working environment 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE for your kitchen staff when handling food, waste, or cleaning surfaces. This includes items like hairnets, aprons, gloves, and masks 

Handwashing Facilities: Install a designated hand wash basin equipped with soap and towels. Stress that this basin should only be used for handwashing to maintain hygiene standards 

Hand Sanitising Station: Set up a hand sanitiser station stocked with in-date sanitising products. This encourages regular hand hygiene among employees 

Hand Hygiene Promotion: Display hand hygiene posters in the kitchen to remind employees of the importance of proper handwashing 

Waste Management: Provide appropriate bins for waste management, including separate containers for recyclables, food waste, and general waste. Proper waste disposal helps maintain cleanliness and prevents contamination 

Vermin-Proofing: Implement measures to make the kitchen area vermin-proof. This can include installing fly screens and vermin traps to keep unwanted pests at bay 

Trolley Cleaning and Storage: Designate an area for the cleaning and storage of trolleys used for transporting food. Keeping these trolleys clean and organised is essential for food safety 

Personal Items Storage: Encourage employees to store their personal items in designated lockers rather than in the kitchen area. This practice prevents potential contamination and clutter 

By addressing these key issues, you create a safer and more hygienic environment for food preparation, reducing the risks of infections among your residents. Prioritising infection prevention and control is a fundamental aspect of providing high-quality care in residential aged care facilities.