Linen chutes

[Liza Alcayaga]

Are linen chutes still advisable to use in aged care?

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Liza,

Guidance does not specifically ban linen chutes in healthcare facilities; however, national IPC principles require healthcare organisations to minimise the dispersal of microorganisms during linen handling, contain contaminated linen at the point of use, and prevent environmental contamination. These principles are reflected in the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, Laundry Practice Standards, Australasian Health Facility Guidelines and NSW jurisdictional guidance documents, which emphasise minimal agitation of soiled linen and prevention of aerosol contamination. Consequently, traditional gravity-fed linen chute systems are frequently considered inconsistent with contemporary IPC risk-reduction strategies in healthcare environments, particularly acute care settings.
References:
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2019). Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/resources/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare
• Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance. (2025). Australasian Health Facility Guidelines: Part D – Infection prevention and control. https://healthfacilityguidelines.com.au/
• Clinical Excellence Commission. (2024). Infection prevention and control precautions. NSW Health. https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/infection-prevention-and-control/infection-prevention-and-control-precautions
• Standards Australia. (2024). AS 4146:2024 Laundry practice. Standards Australia.

Hope that helps

Regards Carrie

[Author]

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