Decontamination
both single-use, to overcome laundry issues, and launderable (non-linting) are always used. The PATHISOL or Spectricept Hypochlorous Disinfectant at circa 600 ppm ensures rapid efficacy against C.difficile spores. As well as this development work, there has been work in the background, commissioned and undertaken by Eco Medic,7
to produce the
carbon Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the single- use devices, compared with reusable devices, reprocessed using Hypochlorous disinfectant, microfibre, and UV-C. Table 1 shows that the benefits are significant and independently verified. These findings are replicated on reprocessing other devices using the same methodology.
Tackling PPE issues Following on from the first trial with reusable anaesthetic masks and subsequent trials with other MDs, work has also continued into PPE reprocessing to reduce the vast numbers of single-use PPE products still in use. So, given that there is no standard for the cleaning of eye protection or respirators in health and care settings, reprocessing PPE is much simpler, but is it safe enough? Currently, wiping PPE with wet wipes is still common practice, despite no evidence of the efficacy of wet wipes on silicone, rubber, and soft materials. This is an area where I and PCC Sustainable Solutions continue to press for a relatively simple amendment to the standards for reusable PPE to include a cleanliness level. This would provide clarity for manufacturers, to allow consistent and appropriate testing to evidence that the cleaning and disinfection in their Instructions for Use (IFUs) meets the standard. The suggested products and standards include half-face respirators (EN140, EN1827), and, for eye protection, EN166. This is timely given the drive for sustainability and more reusable PPE, as stated in the PPE Strategy8
in 2022, for more reusable
PPE from on- or near-shore production for future pandemic preparedness, alongside the Greener NHS Net Zero plan,9
also launched in
2022, to reduce the NHS carbon footprint to Net Zero by 2040 and 2045. It also supports the Waste Strategy,10
launched by the NHS on
7 March 2023, where £11 m annual in revenue savings should be achieved if successful.
Detailed SOPs Given the lack of a standard, the work that I undertook to integrate devices and processes (with Hello Face respirators, Bollé Safety eye protection, Mackwell Health UV-C, and Rollins Consulting) will help support the provision of a safe, reusable product. This
January 2026 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 51 The first UV-C Minibox installation, during trials by Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust.
t
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