COMMENT
Challenges for the sector in a ‘post-antibiotic’ era
As highlighted in last month’s magazine, this edition of HEJ is the first to feature a ‘refreshed’ and more vibrant design, which we hope readers will feel improves both the look and readability of the IHEEM journal. The ‘new look’ issue will be widely circulated at this month’s Healthcare Estates conference and exhibition. Events in recent months, with a new government, industrial action by junior doctors, dire warnings about the condition of many, particularly older, healthcare buildings, the publication of the ‘final’ report on the Grenfell Tower fire, and the approaching end of a number of hospital PFI contracts, should provide plenty to discuss. A packed conference programme will feature themes including medical and healthcare engineering, strategic health and social care planning, and – reflecting a growing shift in the way hospitals are now run, digital technology and innovation. Another topic to always feature prominently is governance and compliance – surely set to assume even greater importance given the calls for reform of building safety across the entire construction chain in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. The final report concluded that a ‘race to the bottom’, and an emphasis on cost-cutting, appear to have seen scant attention paid to occupant safety in the construction and repair of many high-rise buildings. Infection prevention and control, and new approaches to the subject, will also be a talking point, and indeed
Cover Story
Hard-working and hard-wearing: Delabie’s surgical scrub-up trough
Delabie’s surgical scrub-up trough has been developed specifically for healthcare facilities. Available with a high or low upstand, the latter complies with the new Health Building Note 00-10: Part C – Sanitary Assemblies (formerly HTM 64). Made from 304 stainless steel, the surface has the unique ability to react with oxygen in air and water to form an invisible protective layer which repairs itself instantly if scratched – a process called self-passivation. The surface can withstand any impact from daily use, as well as regular and intensive cleaning. It remains hard and smooth, with reduced bacterial retention due to its uniform, non-porous surface. Cleaning is therefore easier and more sustainable, requiring less cleaning product. A highly versatile material, the stainless
steel is rolled to 1.2 mm thick, and pressed to form a one-piece surgical trough with minimal seams. The surgical scrub-up trough’s ‘Hygiene +’ profile is optimised with rounded edges to prevent cuts, and there are no niches where dirt and bacteria can lodge, also facilitating cleaning. A further advantage is that when the trough finally reaches its end of life, the stainless steel can be readily recycled. Delabie’s surgical trough also has
a very practical aspect, featuring a concealed trap and concealed fixings,
October 2024 | Volume 78 | Issue 09
both enhancing the aesthetic and preventing unsolicited damage. The Hygiene + trough with low upstand is available in three sizes: 800 mm for 1 service, 1,600 mm for 2 services, and 2,400 mm for 3 services, while the high upstand model is slightly smaller (700 mm, 1,400 mm, or 2,100 mm). All feature a drainage point on the right, and there is no overflow that could otherwise harbour bacteria. Every aspect of Delabie’s scrub-
up trough has been designed to maximise hygiene and reduce infection, while ensuring user comfort and safety. Able to withstand intensive daily use, the surgical scrub-up trough with satin stainless steel finish is hard-working and hard- wearing.
Challenges of a ‘post-
antibiotic’ era see page 39
How energy- resilient is
your estate? see page 55
The impact of poorly maintained
buildings see page 33
Delabie UK Ltd Henderson House Hithercroft Road Wallingford, OX10 9DG T: 01491 824449
www.delabie.co.uk
HEJ FC October
2024.indd 1 19/09/2024 14:14 October 2024 Health Estate Journal 5
an article on pages 39-44, jointly written by a specialist registrar in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, the head of Estates Risk and Environment at a northern Irish Trust, and a Consultant Medical Microbiologist, emphasises just how critical a role the construction supply chain and manufacturers must now play, alongside IPC personnel and clinicians, to minimise infection risk, as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) becomes an ever more pressing issue globally. With the medical profession now facing bacteria resistant to even ‘last-line’ antibiotics, the authors say we will soon find ourselves in the ‘post- antibiotic era’. The only way for the sector to respond, they argue, will be via a level of multidisciplinary collaboration not yet seen. They also warn that while adherence to HTMs and HBNs may mean a compliant building, unless the key risk factors are considered, it may not result in a safe one. A thought-provoking read. The HEJ team looks forward to seeing many of you in
Manchester.
With the medical profession now facing bacteria resistant to even ‘last- line’ antibiotics, we will soon find ourselves in the ‘post-antibiotic era’
Advertising feature
Jonathan Baillie, Editor
jonathanbaillie@
stepcomms.com
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