HEALTH SECTOR NEWS
A ‘game-changer’ in fire protection and suppression
The supplier of a compact ‘ground- breaking’ fire suppression device says it could be poised to help extinguish the second-most common UK cause of fires – electrical fires – ‘in seconds’. Nottingham-based Aerocom (UK), which has entered a five-year deal with Sweden’s MAUS to exclusively supply the Advanced Pro Stixx in the UK, says this includes lithium-ion battery fires. There are three sizes of device – the smallest ‘the size of a two-fingered Kit-Kat’. Fires ignited from an electrical distribution source were the second most common cause of UK fires in the year ending March 2023, according to Government figures. (The number one source was cooking appliances). Aerocom (UK) says the Pro Stixx
could ‘save lives and millions of pounds in damages, with the potential to slash insurance costs’. MD, Tom Hughes, said: “This product is a genuine game- changer in terms of fire protection and suppression.”
New endoscopy unit to double Royal Gwent Hospital’s capacity
A new purpose-built endoscopy unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, designed by BDP, which has just opened its doors, will provide an expanded range of endoscopy services to patients in the Gwent area. Set to enable the hospital to double its capacity, significantly improve the patient experience, and reduce waiting times, the new facility is located in the former maternity unit which moved in 2021 to Grange University Hospital in Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran, the new, ‘multi-award-winning’ specialist critical care centre also designed by BDP. BDP, which worked with the Aneurin
Bevan University Health Board and staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital to design the endoscopy unit, says that by bringing all endoscopy staff and services together, the unit will provide ‘wraparound care’ for patients through all stages of the diagnostic process. It includes 12 pre- operative assessment bays, four new procedure suites, and associated recovery areas, with a staff rest area, changing rooms, and a dedicated meeting space. BDP explained: “Endoscopy services
at the hospital were previously based in two outdated procedure suites and
patient support areas, which were not appropriate for modern standards of care. With growing demand, it was evident that a larger unit was required to improve services and help reduce waiting times for diagnostic procedures.” Sarah Wilson, Directorate manager
for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: “This unit has been such a team effort. The staff have all been involved in the design of the unit, the orientation, and where they want to see things when we move in; we’ve included them all. Our aim was to improve the patient journey, patient quality, and patient safety, and ultimately improve the overall patient experience of endoscopy.”
The Pro Stixx, installable in any enclosed electrical space ‘in seconds’ – including fuse boxes, electrical cabinets, and the battery compartment of electric vehicles – ‘floods the space with a harmless potassium-based smoke when the temperature exceeds 170 °C’. Aerocom (UK) said: “Typically, within five seconds, the heat source is fully extinguished. The ability to suppress fires before they can spread is especially crucial in terms of lithium- ion battery fires, which are notoriously difficult to put out, and prone to reignition.” Aerocom (UK) is an established supplier of pneumatic tube systems to manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare facilities, and an approved supplier to the NHS, which has already expressed an interest. The MAUS Advanced Pro Stixx has been granted a CE mark for fire safety, ‘having been assessed to meet European safety, health, and environmental protection requirements’.
18 Health Estate Journal March 2024
Invest in supporting services now for lasting peace of mind
Excellent care relies on the highest standards of infection control and safety, with well-maintained water controls central to this goal. However, Rada points out, for Estates teams, maintaining a healthcare water system can be time- consuming and resource- intensive. The company said: “Supporting services can take that pressure
away, and make sure products help Estates teams meet industry guidelines and user needs year after year.” Rada says it ‘knows healthcare water controls inside out’, designing and manufacturing all its own products, and is thus best placed to service them. It said: “We offer a range of services, and can build a bespoke package fit for your needs and budgets – regardless of whether you have Rada products installed.” Services include:
n A commissioning service means correct product set-up post-installation, with training on safe operation included.
n Rada’s preventative maintenance plan ensures that systems continue to work safely and efficiently. This also helps to improve the longevity of products, helping to make best use of budgets and resources.
n A responsive maintenance service includes fast response to requests and advice or a visit from Rada’s specialist team when there are unplanned changes that need quickly addressing.
n A ‘health check’ service on thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) – ‘components that play a vital role in safe operation’ – ensures water controls always comply with standards and guidelines.
BDP
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