INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL
It appears the sector is now starting to realise just how tangible the benefits are for staff, patients and building managers alike. The Health Building Note 00-09 issued by the Department of Health3
refers to
Infection Control in the Built Environment and point 3.119 refers to wall protection, and 3.125 and 3.126 to door protection. It states that Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is “for all stakeholders to understand the basic principles of ‘designed-in’ IPC.”
This means the specification of door and wall protection, in addition to other infection control methods such as hand washing policies and cleaning guidelines. Combined, the fight against HCAIs could be reduced, raising clinical standards and decreasing the costs associated with the treatment of these type of infections. To really understand this let’s look at putting some costs to HCAIs and the impact they have on the day to day management of the NHS.
Approximately 300,000 patients are affected with HCAIs each year, as a result of care in the NHS and the anticipated cost to the NHS equates to around £1 billion. While infections are not created as a direct attribution to building infrastructure, surely any investment in infection control and minimisation is a worthy investment by any hospital or healthcare practice. In the latest UK Five Year Antimicrobial
Resistance Plan (2013 – 2018) three key elements were identified; Prevention, Preservation and Promotion. Prevention is where antibacterial antimicrobial products such as our impact protection sheet really comes into its own.
New build and retro-fit – how both can benefit
As we previously stated, many new build developments are now specifying infection control as a high priority, building better
healthcare premises that are fit for modern demands.
In addition to the benefits that can be achieved by new build healthcare establishments, those undergoing refurbishment programmes can also reap the same benefits through the specification of antibacterial impervious surface protection. Leading manufacturers and suppliers of hygienic wall protection can, more often than not, offer tailored advice and a wide range of products to prevent HCAI’s in a variety of settings. Great success in the industry has been enjoyed in operating theatres, public areas of hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries, dental practices and pharmacies. By taking a wider view of infection control and putting measures in place to minimise the transference and spread of infection only positive results can be enjoyed. And, while we appreciate the cost element that is involved with the specification and subsequent fitting of
wall and door protection sheets, the decrease in costs associated with the treatment of HCAIs are much more significant.
How does protection sheet work and how can you integrate this added protection into your healthcare building or care home?
Anti-bacterial sheets are impregnated with an anti-bacterial resistant substance which means that bacteria can’t adhere to, or penetrate, the walls and doors where the sheet is applied. Robust cleaning is still required of course, but complete peace of mind is given to facilities managers and infection control managers who know that the specification of such products works in tandem with all other measures they have in place. It is of course important, that a sheet is chosen that offers high levels of anti-bacterial protection but also adheres to other elements of building protection, such as fire safety ratings. Furthermore, a sheet that is easy to fit and where its integrity is not comprised during the fitting process is the only truly effective choice.
An Anti-bacterial impact protection sheet such as Hygienilac, is an antibacterial agent that prevents bacteria’s access to nutrients, and proven to kill 99.9% of almost all species of bacteria including MRSA, Salmonella and
E.coli. It offers an impact resistant surface that can be applied to doors, walls and cupboards to provide protection and to assist in the easy cleaning and maintenance of these surfaces. A standard sheet is available in 2mm and can be cut with a Stanley knife, applied with contact adhesives and joined to give a moisture resistant finish.
It is advisable to only choose a sheet that assists in meeting guidelines in BS8300:2001 and is Class ‘O’ Fire rated; tested to BS476 Parts 6 & 7. Other standards that one should look out for are EC Hygiene requirements, food safety regulations.
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WWW.CLINICALSERVICESJOURNAL.COM SEPTEMBER 2019
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