HEALTHCARE WATER SYSTEMS At the product level, representatives
from Armitage Shanks heard from experts about their experiences, and how proactive product design which understands the specifics of healthcare settings can reduce transmission of pathogens. Regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the positive impact of reducing the number of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), which mix both hot and cold water in hospitals, was also raised. TMVs have the effect of establishing an average ambient temperature between 38 and 44 °C, which poses an increased microbial risk if they are not maintained correctly, that is not present when separate hot and cold taps are used.2 The discussion on TMVs was a useful demonstration of the need to consult stakeholders with practical experience of water safety throughout the specifying and construction process. It highlights the importance of a manufacturers’ understanding of the situation within the healthcare sector, and the ensuing re-alignment of priorities required when considering water safety. Ultimately, it shows that some products are well-suited for the residential and commercial sectors, but require careful consideration for use in healthcare settings. For example, while the scald risk avoided through TMVs is a relevant one, especially among vulnerable patients, this must be weighed up against the danger of waterborne infections – an equally serious risk that currently suffers from being less immediately evident.
Enhancing communication A wider culture of communication between manufacturers and end-users was also advocated, where suppliers actively seek out the science, even if this means taking difficult decisions. This communication should then continue beyond supply of the product, with the role of suppliers then changing to one of service-providers, offering support on correct installation, use, and maintenance, of the product. Large-scale interventions were also
suggested, which would entail rigorous strategies that involve everyone with a responsibility to safeguard water safety. Many of these concerned risk assessments, including making an often static document a dynamic one, which evolves as the system or product is used, supported by proactive and regular monitoring. Broadening the scope of risk assessments to provide updates following maintenance and cleaning was also suggested, acknowledging these as opportunities for contamination. These risk assessments must also be shared with those responsible for design, construction, and specification, to ensure that key components are accessible. The increasing use of modular construction methods was highlighted as an example of why those with expertise need to share information
32 Health Estate Journal October 2022
There was wide-ranging discussion on some of the most pressing healthcare water system issues at Armitage Shanks’ Water Safety Forum.
as widely as possible – when buildings arrive prefabricated, it may already be too late, unless manufacturers and installers are informed and engaged.
Casting the net wide Unsurprisingly, casting the net wide was the crux of many large-scale interventions; the more stages considered, the better. At the top of the wish list for many was a solution that covered the whole of the water supply system, with infection control at the centre of its design, and containing comprehensive training on installation, use, and maintenance. There is no way of reducing the risk to zero, so it must be brought to as low a level as possible and managed proactively by everyone.
A way forward Armitage Shanks hosted the Water Safety Forum because the update to BS 8580-2 from the British Standards Institution makes clear the part that all stakeholders – including manufacturers, have to play in preventing waterborne illness. Hospital-acquired infection is a significant problem, but one where taking collective action will drastically improve the lives of patients. The discussion brought to the forefront the experiences of those who interact with water safety in the areas where it matters most, and exposed the need to address the issue from the grass roots. The way forward is undoubtedly a holistic approach, founded on a basis of knowledge, competency, and responsibility. For those who attended the discussion, it was an opportunity to share insights from their own areas of expertise, and understand the issues from different perspectives. For Armitage Shanks, it was a chance to better define and update its understanding of the role it plays in serving both the needs of its users, and the unique requirements of the environments they operate in. That means building on a solid foundation of expertise, while continuing to push the boundaries of product design.
References 1 Guest JF, Keating T, Gould D, Wigglesworth N. Modelling the annual NHS costs and outcomes attributable to healthcare-associated infections in England. BMJ 22 January 2020.
https://tinyurl.com/3zppmcwf
2 Bédard E. Prévost M, Déziel E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa in premise plumbing of large buildings. Microbiologyopen 2016 Dec; 5(6): 937–956.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC5221438/
Anil Madan
Anil Madan joined Ideal Standard in 2017 as a Product manager, and is now UK Non-Residential Marketing manager for Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks. With over 20 years of experience in B2B marketing, and over 10 years working in the commercial sanitaryware sector, he has a wide understanding of the needs of healthcare professionals, installers, and end-users. In his role, he manages the Armitage Shanks brand range of specialist healthcare and commercial fittings and sanitaryware, ‘helping to drive innovation and raise standards in the sector to create the best solutions possible’.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124
