ENVI RONMENTAL DECONTAMINAT ION


specifically devised for food contact areas have further added to this demand as treating kitchens and communal eateries, such as canteens and staff rooms, has become a priority.


The process time for Hydrogen Peroxide


Vapour, typically 2-3 hours, has encouraged healthcare professionals to embrace complementary technologies for time- sensitive room treatments. UVC is very much at the forefront of this strategy for specific areas like A&E where a quick turnaround is essential to maintain a high patient flow. The technology will never replace HPV, but the very best UVC systems are closing the gap in terms of their efficacy. Former aerospace engineer and current chief technical officer of Finsen Tech, Tristan Williams, agrees: “Our latest generation Thor UVC encompasses room mapping technology to deliver a fast and effective germicidal dose of continuous-wave UVC energy, killing germs and pathogens where and when required. “The incorporated patented design features reduce shadowing, which has been a constant issue with all previous generation UVC devices. We see our technology as part of a holistic approach to disinfection, particularly in time-sensitive applications. UVC complements both manual cleaning and Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour decontamination to deliver outstanding levels of hygiene in larger healthcare settings.” Healthcare professionals increasingly see HPV and UVC, not as competing technologies, but as vital weapons in the war against pathogens. In essence, you need both of these in your arsenal when you are fighting an enemy you cannot see. Their automated processes work in the background, easing pressure and freeing up valuable time to allow domestic operatives and others to carry on with the essential work they do.


Summary In conclusion, the pandemic has focused the minds of healthcare professionals and the wider public on the risks posed by airborne and surface contaminants. The new National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness has created a fantastic framework for the industry and highlighted the need for collaboration to achieve its mandated goals. The audit system is easy to understand and gives clear visibility to patients, visitors and colleagues alike, using a star rating that is familiar to many consumers of other goods and services. However, stakeholders need to be mindful that product selection is pivotal and new cleaning and disinfection technology can make a tangible difference not just in acute hospitals but in all healthcare settings. Over the last fifty years, we can see


how medical advances have significantly contributed to the wellbeing of populations across the globe, yet we still clean our hospitals using equipment dating back to the 1970s and beyond. Technologies devised to improve hygiene standards, preserve the environment and reduce operational costs do exist and have been validated by leading NHS microbiologists and their counterparts worldwide. It is time to embrace innovation…


CSJ


References 1 NHS England, National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021, April 2021, www.england.nhs.uk: pp. 1-56; p. 5 [Accessed 1st February 2022]


2 Barbut F., Otter J.A., Perl T.M., Yezli S., An overview of automated room disinfection systems: When to use them and how to choose them. Decontamination in Hospitals and Healthcare (Second Edition) 2020; pp. 323-369; p. 327


3 Carling P.C., Parry M.M., Rupp M.E., Po J.L., Dick B., Von Beheren S., Improving cleaning of the environment surrounding patients in 36 acute care hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2008; 29 (11): pp. 1035-1041


4 Barbut F., Otter J.A., Perl T.M., Yezli S., An overview of automated room disinfection systems: When to use them and how to choose them. Decontamination in Hospitals and Healthcare (Second Edition) 2020: pp. 323-369; p.327


5 Fraise A., Currently available sporicides for use in healthcare, and their limitations. Journal of Hospital Infection 2011; 77 (3): pp. 210-212


6 Carling P.C., Parry M.M., Rupp M.E., Po J.L., Dick B., Von Beheren S., Improving cleaning of the environment surrounding patients in 36 acute care hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2008; 29 (11): pp. 1035-1041


7 Hamilton et al., Performance of ultramicrofibre cleaning technology with or without addition of a novel copper-based biocide. Journal of Hospital Infection 2010 Jan; 74(1): pp. 62-71; p.62


8 Wren et al., Removing bacteria from hospital surfaces: a laboratory comparison of ultramicrofibre and standard cloths. Journal of Hospital Infection 2008; 70 (3): pp. 265-271


46 l WWW.CLINICALSERVICESJOURNAL.COM About the author


With over 25 years’ experience developing innovative solutions to decontamination challenges within hospitals, Neill Simmons is the director of Innotec Hygiene Solutions. He originally pioneered the microfibre cleaning revolution in his role as head of healthcare with Vileda. While in this position, he recognised that there was an urgent requirement for a low-cost automated disinfection system to combat the menace of HCAIs. Back in 2012, Neill set up Innotec Hygiene Solutions in partnership with Oxy’Pharm, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) machines and disinfectants. Sold in over 120 countries, Oxy’Pharm’s Nocotech system is now one of the top-selling HPV systems in the NHS.


JUNE 2022


9 Ibid.; p. 267 10 Ibid.; p. 270 11 Smith D.L. et al., Assessing the efficacy of different microfibre cloths at removing surface micro- organisms associated with healthcare-associated infections. Journal of Hospital Infection 2011; 78 (3): pp. 182-186


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