WATER HYGIENE & SAFETY


with them to help deliver a connected water system that can free up staff resource, and providing assurances that this approach offers the high degree of accuracy needed for optimising the estate.”


Sharing learnings


While healthcare is on the right track in terms of unlocking digital, there are still strides to be made. One thing that Rada has noticed is the growing desire of commercial sectors to achieve healthcare standards. It is here that the water controls specialist sees an opportunity to share learnings across and learn from other sectors.


Healthcare standards in every washroom


COVID-19 has meant that infection control, more traditionally a crucial focus in healthcare, has been taken outside of the confines of the estate and into the public conversation. It’s highlighted that actions taken in other parts of society by people can help protect healthcare spaces by reducing the pressures on frontline services.


“The idea that we all have a role to play in reducing the spread of infection isn’t a new one, but COVID-19 has certainly had an impact on what this means in terms of reducing the burden on the NHS,” says David Merriman. “I think we’ve really seen this in the way that our customers in education, sports, and leisure are increasingly looking for a ‘healthcare-lite’ washroom, with a big focus on the best products for supporting handwashing. Outside of healthcare – and particularly in education – our customers are focused on ensuring the specification of products that keep users safe by preventing scalding and infection. A great user experience is also key. These elements are of course central for healthcare too, but the pandemic has definitely seen renewed focus on cleanliness and hand hygiene in other public spaces, and how taps can actively support proper handwashing. Naturally, this means looking towards the example set by healthcare, where those issues are most integral.


“It means products perhaps designed more for healthcare applications are having real benefit elsewhere,” David Merriman continues. “Our non-touch Intelligent Care range has been popular outside of healthcare, and we’ve also seen a rise in demand for products that make infection control measures such as quarterly cleaning regimes easier.” Matt Whiting agrees that the willingness of other sectors to learn from healthcare has been clear. He also thinks there are opportunities for Estates teams to understand more about how other sectors are utilising the latest innovations in water controls.


56 Health Estate Journal March 2021


The sports and leisure sector “Some of the sectors where our service support is most well-established are also those most affected by national COVID-19 restrictions – particularly sports and leisure, where there’s been a requirement for facilities to close under the strictest measures,” says Matt Whiting. “We’ve been working with the sports and leisure sector most closely in terms of digital support, and, while this has been impacted by closures, it’s clear that the innovation and adaptation of connected technology is something we can bring more of to healthcare.


“For healthcare, TMV servicing is the main focus of our service offer, as valves require careful configuration and regular checks to remain compliant with the key guidelines. It’s positive that ‘Estates’ are increasingly looking towards Rada as the best source of meeting service needs, but I think we can push this further with more partnership working. Manufacturers can provide a consistent voice in the water safety conversation, meaning they can continue to help solve problems, while ensuring that Estates teams are aware of emerging innovations. I think that, when IoT truly takes hold in the healthcare sector, the speed of change will be fast. It will help unlock greater sharing and


collaboration across different sectors – transferring learnings from other commercial sectors into healthcare, and vice versa.”


‘Fast-tracked’ solutions


Both Matt Whiting and David Merriman have been navigating the changing demands faced by healthcare over the last year, providing fast-tracked solutions to help their customers meet urgent demands. “While COVID-19 has heightened the status of taps and water controls as essential tools for infection control and better healthcare outcomes, I think it has accelerated trends, rather than redefined them,” says David Merriman. “The industry continues moving forward at pace, and I think IoT and digital will be key parts of the puzzle as Estates teams looks to unlock the best ways to optimise water management.” “We want to be part of this conversation, and to help ensure the greater sharing and embrace of digital innovation, through closer collaboration” Matt Whiting adds. “Whether that is formally, or through another arrangement, when it comes to continuously delivering cleaner, healthier facilities and better water safety, there’s never been a better time to work together.”


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David Merriman


David Merriman is Rada’s UK Sales manager. His 20 years with the leading water controls manufacturer began as a Commercial Specification manager. He then moved on to become a Channel manager with Rada’s parent company, Kohler, before becoming Rada’s National Sales manager. He oversees Rada’s team of regional specification experts, ensuring customers across the UK are equipped with leading water controls and knowledge that help meet their needs and the challenges they face.


Matt Whiting


Matt Whiting has over 20 years’ experience at leading water controls manufacturer, Rada, having started with the business as a field engineer, before becoming a Regional Service manager. Now Rada’s UK Service manager, he is responsible for all of Rada’s field operations. He is focused both on ensuring that Rada’s service offering evolves with the needs of its customers, and on helping the company’s work to unlock further benefits for customers via specialist services that support digital products.


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