DOMESTIC staff at Airedale Hospital are sharing their expertise nationally.

They are advising on a new training programme for cleaning professionals across the NHS.

Airedale has been a pilot site for the launch of the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP) competency and knowledge workbook.

Completion leads to a certificate, recognised throughout the health service.

Rita Oddy – head of facilities at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, and an AHCP council member – said: "We are very pleased to have been at the forefront of the development of this training programme.

"The booklet helps staff understand that they are healthcare cleaning professionals and affirms their level of knowledge and skills.

"Our staff have helped make changes so it's now more user friendly, and they have suggested it be available electronically and include more elements – all of which have been adopted.

"The team has been innovative in its suggestions and I'm proud to say our staff have helped model the future of domestic services in the NHS."

Several staff at the trust have achieved the certificate and when the training book is updated, the other 130 cleaning colleagues will complete their certificates.

Jamie Williamson-Graff, facilities supervisor, said: "It's an excellent training booklet that ensures all our staff are following the most up to date practice. Also, it's very important for new staff to realise and understand the high level of cleaning that is required in a hospital environment."