INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
EcoWash+ bedpan washer scale inhibitor and wash.
and control dependability of previous models. It is vital that hospitals should never have to compromise: they should never have to sacrifice infection prevention in favour of sustainability – or vice versa. They should expect and get both. Bedpan washer-disinfectors such as DDC Dolphin’s four newly updated Panamatic models (Midi, Maxi, Optima 2, Optima 3) have been designed to save energy and water while delivering improved infection prevention and control. This has been achieved through a series of design enhancements. On the inside, the new Midi now has 25% more capacity, accommodating two pans and two bottles in a single cycle. This means that more bedpans and bottles can be disinfected in fewer cycles – making the updated Midi
The newly upgraded Panamatic Maxi has been designed to save energy and water and offer improved infection prevention.
33% more energy- and water-efficient than its predecessor. Clinicians will spend less time filling, emptying, and refilling the machine, enabling them to spend more time delivering care at the bedside.
Larger antimicrobial touch area Meanwhile, on the outside, the new Midi and Optima 2 both have a much larger antimicrobial touch area. It is 2.5 times the size of that on the previous models. Antimicrobial protection has also been added to the Maxi and the Optima 3. This antimicrobial protection uses silver to kill bacteria and destroy viruses. Physicians have known of the infection control properties of silver for thousands of years. It was documented in the 17th and 18th centuries, but dates as far back as 4,000 BC. In the case of the Panamatic range, silver ion protection is moulded into the plastic on various surfaces. Silver ion antimicrobial powder reduces the growth of Campylobacter,
E.coli, Listeria, MRSA, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella, by up to 99.99%. It is tested to ISO 22196:2011. Other external improvements include a new lid-opening mechanism that builds on the hands-free technology that has long been a feature of some bedpan
A UVC
water trap dispenser.
washer-disinfectors. The less that clinicians can touch a bedpan washer-disinfector the better, so in the past machines had foot-operated lid opening. However, even this can be improved upon. Previously, machines such as the Midi and Optima 2 had a foot cup for opening the lid (while the Maxi and Optima 3 had a footplate). Now, all four machines have an ultrasonic sensor instead. It is still foot operated, but each machine now has a flat front – eliminating the risk of a possible dirt trap, and making it quicker and easier to clean.
68 Health Estate Journal June 2024
The new Panamatic Optima 2 has a much larger antimicrobial touch area.
Enhancements to the Panamatic range also include updated decals with clear, easy-to-understand symbols for ‘in cycle’ and ‘cycle complete’. It is important that sluice machines should always be as simple and as intuitive to use as possible. This helps to stop inexperienced users from inadvertently misusing and breaking the machine. Never forget that sluice room equipment downtime is more than an inconvenience – it can lead to the spread of infections, with dangerous and costly consequences for patients, clinicians, hospital visitors, and the wider community. The stainless steel side panels on the Panamatic Midi and Optima 2 now cover the water tank on each machine. This makes the machines even stronger, further enhances their aesthetics, and makes cleaning easier. In turn, this results in superior infection control – because simpler cleaning encourages better cleaning.
Key questions when specifying bedpan washer-disinfectors Specifying the most effective, reliable, and energy-efficient bedpan washers or macerators will have a significant positive impact on a Trust – not least because of the sheer number of sluice machines that each hospital uses. Given that all these machines will be used 24/7/365, daily savings will soon add up and be reflected in monthly and annual running costs – especially when you consider that each bedpan washer (or macerator) should last for at least 10 years when properly maintained. So, it is vital to consider the whole-of-life cost of acquiring, operating, maintaining, and disposing of each machine. These are some of the key questions
that you should be asking when specifying bedpan washer-disinfectors: n Is the machine right for the size of ward? Will it cope with demand at peak times?
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