INFECTION CONTROL
One of the four Midtherm UV mobile air sanitising units during the trial.
to the UV-C mobiles being deployed. Tim Fletcher was concerned at the contaminate levels of the initial tests. “Midtherm UV loaned us four mobile UV-C filtration units, each capable of sanitising 250m3
Midtherm UV’s in-duct air sanitising unit alongside one of the mobile units.
/h of air,” he explains.
“These were located around the RAP unit. Similar airborne testing was undertaken to establish the efficacy of using a UV-C filtration system in the area and other suitable clinical locations in the hospital. The tests showed a significant 69% reduction in CFUs (colony-forming units). The technology presented significant improvements in reducing CFUs, and immediately demonstrated that UV-C filtration offered an attractive future option for NHS ventilation sanitisation.” Tim Fletcher adds: “Following the
results, working with Frank, Gordon, and the Midtherm team, we decided to develop a duct-mounted UV-C filtration system that was added to our ventilation arrangements in the RAP unit. This unit was accommodated in the pitched roof ceiling void at one end of the area.” Midtherm UV was so confident in the system that the company undertook the work on a sale or return basis.”
In accord with NHS guidance Working with Quantum Group, the installer of the high-velocity air-conditioning system, the system was designed in
‘‘
accordance with NHS UV-C guidance, and installed in the return air ductwork. The installation was completed within a day, while the RAP remained fully functional, with the exception of the one bay where the work was carried out. “After a week further air sampling was undertaken,” Tim Fletcher explains. “The CFU results were further improved. An overall 82% reduction in bacterial levels had been attained.” 100% of existing air within the RAP is subject to UV-C functional filtration. The results showed that the system was operating more effectively than the mobile units were. The potential exists for UV-C units in new installations, instead of large ventilation systems with high energy loss due to single-pass 100% fresh air provision. This lower energy solution with lower space requirements is an advantage over traditional single-pass ventilation systems. Quantum, the contractor, is a distributor
and installer of high-velocity ventilation systems. This system proved easy to install, supplying air-conditioning to the RAP via 22 air nozzles. The air distribution in the RAP space assists in sanitising contaminated air via UV-C filtration.
Low-cost maintenance Maintenance is also low-cost. The Trust’s Estates team carries out inspections to check that the UV-C is functioning,
The potential exists for UV-C units in new installations. This lower energy solution with lower space requirements is an advantage over traditional single-pass ventilation systems
64 Health Estate Journal October 2022
The inline duct-mounted UV-C unit located above one of the RAP unit’s seven-bedded bays.
and a visual check of build-up on filters. The UV-C lamps and filters are relatively inexpensive to renew. With limited training, the Maintenance team will change the lamps after 12 months. The manufacturer, Philips’s lamps have a minimum 9,000- hour life expectancy. A visual indicator in the RAP unit informs staff that the UV-C is functional. The UV-C ventilation system offers benefits to hospitals in numerous clinical settings, and it is likely that UV-C technology will gain popularity in both mobile air ventilation systems and duct- mounted ventilation systems in the UK. Tim Fletcher says: “I can see a lot of benefits in this hospital, typically in waiting areas, where the standards under which the area was constructed may go as far back as 1983, as they will do for many other hospitals across the country. I’m confident that we’ll see UV-C technology being rolled out – in terms of both mobile units and duct-mounted solutions, across the country.” From a clinical and patient perspective, Joanne Green, the Trust’s deputy director of Infection Prevention and Nurse consultant for infection, says: “We are delighted to be part of this UV-C research project. Protecting our patients and staff from infection has always been our priority, which has become even more pertinent during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Anna McNeela, Emergency Department
matron at Maidstone Hospital, adds: “The UV-C results have been very impressive in our RAP area. The staff feel very comfortable knowing their working environment is being protect by UV-C filtration technology, especially against COVID and other airborne contaminants.”
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