Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 14th November 2019 Issue no. 894
Your industry news - first Number 1 for Recruitment
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DebMed now key component of an expanded product offering from new parent
Robotic germ zapper helps bring down infectious disease
This mobile robotic device is used in intensive care units, medical surgery units, operating rooms and in rooms where patients suffering from Clostridioides difficile, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other microorganisms, were discharged. PHE's latest report on norovirus outbreaks in hospitals shows outbreaks reduce services
The hospital norovirus outbreak reporting scheme (HNORS) recorded 73 outbreaks, 71 of which (97%) led to ward/bay closure or restriction to admissions and 44 of which (60%) were recorded as laboratory confirmed due to norovirus.
That's according to findings from the recent study, 'The Patient Safety Report', conducted by Stericycle, which provides specialised compliance-based healthcare and waste solutions. Hospital cleaning trial cuts infections
The cleaning bundle costs approximately AUS$2,500 per 10,000 bed days to implement and is broadly applicable to cleaning in any hospital. Cardiff company is leading the fight against antimicrobial resistance
This bleak proclamation followed the World Health Organisation's announcement last year that superbugs- drug-resistant bacteria and pathogens-pose one of the most dangerous and imminent threats to human health across the world. So, what is causing our increasing resistance to antibiotics, what's behind these so-called superbugs and, most importantly, how can we prevent these startling forewarnings becoming reality? Infection control products come into the spotlight for healthcare facilities
Thus, infection control products have come into the spotlight in order to keep hospital facilities documented and maintained, as well as to protect the safety of the public. C. diff rates reduced with bundled approach as part of infection reduction program
The paper, 'Multidisciplinary Approach and Clostridium difficile Infection in Adult Surgical Patients', discusses the multidisciplinary program that Duke University Medical Center implemented to reduce its C. diff rate. Latest Norovirus outbreak figures in hospitals show marked improvement over last year
The hospital norovirus outbreak reporting scheme (HNORS) recorded 66 outbreaks occurring between weeks 1 to 4, 2019, 65 of which (98%) led to ward/bay closure or restriction to admissions and 43 of which (65%) were recorded as laboratory confirmed due to norovirus. Partnership will advance technology and software platform to combat HAIs
Using the expansive disinfection datasets from UV Angel and Surfacide, healthcare personnel can: Mayo Clinic study reports 47% reduction in C.diff infection rates using room disinfection technology
The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, found that adding pulsed Xenon UV disinfection to the hospital's disinfection efforts resulted in a 47% reduction in C.diff infection rates on the intervention units that has been sustained for two years. HAIs will be Canada's second leading cause of death by 2050... but help is at hand
OptiSolve and the Kelley Lab at the University of Toronto are to combine novel nanomaterials with a genomics-based approach to allow for precise identification of pathogens that cause HAIs. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust look to ISS and the Future
This is the first time that the Kent-based Trust has been able to take the opportunity of testing the services across its whole estate. ISS will be welcoming more than 250 new staff members into its Healthcare team. Gloves are a potential barrier to hand hygiene, especially amongst nurses
The World Health Organisation says that while hand hygiene and the use of examination gloves in healthcare is critical, healthcare personnel should perform hand hygiene procedures, either using alcohol-based hand-rub or soap and water, both before and after donning gloves, and that gloves should only be worn in certain scenarios. A recent study has found, however, that the use of gloves can create 'a missed opportunity' when it comes to hygiene. Hospital curtains, lab coats and scrubs are turned into germ-fighting shields
Now, Prime Medical, in partnership with Clorox Professional Products, is introducing hospital privacy curtains, scrubs and lab coats that harness the sanitising effects of sodium hypochlorite-based bleach, to help make these soft surfaces part of the solution in reducing healthcare-associated infections. 'Wipe-on Glass' offers permanent hygiene and protection from infection
Simply wiped onto the surface, this robust and effective barrier against hospital germs, odour-causing bacteria, mould, fungi and yeast provides protection against the most substantial problem the 21st century faces: pathogen microorganisms. CDC-funded study underlines benefits of enhanced UVC disinfection in healthcare facilities
The new substudy, 'Enhanced disinfection leads to reduction of microbial contamination and a decrease in patient colonisation and infection', was recently published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. IEHA launches healthcare initiative at ISSA Show North America 2018
Making its debut at IEHA's 52nd Annual Conference & Convention - part of ISSA Show North America 2018 - this highly specialised program enables healthcare professionals in facilities management to maximise the value they bring to the processes of patient care and recovery. Rallying staff say patients, care, infection control all adversely affected by healthcare cuts
The cuts touch many areas of patient care including nursing, environmental services, administration, hospital linens, and other hospital support services. |
Cromwell Polythene launches scented, antimicrobial tiger sack for clinical waste C The tiger stripe sack incorporates Biomaster silver antimicrobial technology, added during the film extrusion process. Self-cleaning nanotechnology improves wellbeing
Those responsible for the buildings we use, says the company, are racing to offer innovative new approaches in this category. Northwell now using PurpleSun UV technology to disinfect operating rooms
This new light-based technology, developed by PurpleSun, has been rolled out at two Northwell hospitals - Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco and Staten Island University Hospital's (SIUH) north campus - to enhance disinfection in operating rooms and the equipment within them. West Middlesex University Hospital renews contract with ISS Healthcare
The contract, which has already commenced, will see ISS provide a full range of soft FM services, including: healthcare cleaning, pest control, window cleaning, waste management, linen and laundry, patient and retail catering, non-emergency patient transport, portering, switchboard and security. ISS will also be investing in innovation and technology, to support service delivery across the site. Woman's hospital invests in electrostatic disinfection system to advance patient safety
Founded in 1968 as one of the first women's specialty hospitals in the US, Woman's Hospital is Baton Rouge's only women's hospital and a leading provider in family-centered health services. How to use a smartphone to detect Norovirus...
A little bit of Norovirus - the highly infectious microbe that causes millions of cases of food poisoning and about 200,000 deaths globally each year - goes a long way. Just 10 particles of the virus can cause illness in humans. The researchers have created a simple, portable and inexpensive method for detecting extremely low levels of Norovirus. Diarrhoea-causing C.diff bacteria adapts to improve spread in hospitals
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators, identified genetic changes in the newly-emerging species that allow it to thrive on the Western sugar-rich diet, evade common hospital disinfectants and spread easily. Birmingham University researchers say new antimicrobial coating could be key in fight against HAIs
Developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham, patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, and to be commercialised by a new company NitroPep, the coating - also called NitroPep - has been heralded as a new tool in the fight against the spread of infection. UV-Clean unit demonstrated its ability to eliminate 99.99% of C. diff and MRSA
Emitting low-intensity ultraviolet C light, UV-Clean eliminates 99.99% of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) endospores from keyboards. AHCP National Training & Development Forum - tickets selling fast!
Visible light disinfection technology can be used within general lighting systems
Based around developments in the disciplines of lighting science and microbiology, they combine white and narrowband 405 nanometer (nm) visible light to meet ambient and task lighting requirements, while providing a continuous, unobtrusive disinfection option for commercial applications. Legiolert test for Legionella pneumophila wins award at 2019 Water Innovation Europe Conference
The Legiolert test is a 'next generation' culture test that detects the pathogen responsible for more than 97% of all Legionnaires' disease cases across Europe. The disease is fatal in one of 10 patients diagnosed. Truvox extends its Multiwash range to reduce the risk of contamination
Compliant with the NHS national colour coding scheme for hospital cleaning materials and equipment, the distinct red, yellow, green and blue colours make it easy to separate tools into their correct area of use, supporting operatives and helping to raise cleaning standards by reducing the risk of cross contamination. White paper demonstrates efficacy of self-disinfecting device on shared equipment
The white paper explains that the study took place at HCA Houston Southeast in both its Neuro Unit and Intermediate Medical Care Unit. New published study: LightStrike robot kills C.auris on hospital surfaces
Nearly 700 C.auris cases have been reported in the US thus far, but hospitals overseas have been battling the deadly pathogen for quite some time. The Netcare Hospital Group, which operates the largest private hospital network in South Africa, was the first and is the only hospital group in South Africa to utilise Xenex high intensity, broad spectrum mobile disinfection robots that have been proven effective against viruses and bacteria which can threaten patient safety.
Novaerus joins Clean Hospitals collaboration to help raise standards
Ultimately, these improvements in environmental hygiene will benefit public health by lowering rates of healthcare-associated infections and reducing antimicrobial resistance. IDEXX Legiolert receives NF Validation Certification by AFNOR for Legionella pneumophila testing
The Certification follows a study carried by independent expert laboratories. The performance of the Legiolert method was judged equivalent to the performance of standard EN ISO 11731, used worldwide and NF T90-431, used in France. RSPH issues report on infection control during 'special procedures'
Systems of control of the potential risks vary across the UK and beyond; among other recommendations, the RSPH calls for all UK health systems to review current arrangements. Investigation continuing into foods linked to listeria infections in UK hospitals
Products directly linked to the cases were identified and these were withdrawn from the food chain on the same day as the link was established. This strain was traced back to a producer which withdrew all their ready-to-eat foods on a precautionary basis. Investigations are continuing to try and determine the point of origin of the listeria strain. Medline announces first infection control product EPA-registered to kill emerging pathogen
The fungus, which has a mortality rate of 35%, has been shown to linger in healthcare facilities despite efforts to eradicate it with traditional disinfectants. It can be difficult to treat and has caused outbreaks worldwide. |
Healthcare professionals see technology as infection control tool
Professor Mark Wilcox to present latest study at Infection Prevention Society Conference 2018
Idexx Pseudalert Test accepted as Global ISO Standard
P. aeruginosa can cause life-threatening infections in hospitals and is a frequent cause of skin, ear, and eye infections from pool and spa water. Public and private laboratories and healthcare and hospitality industry facilities count on the Pseudalert method to monitor their water for this pathogen. Germ-zapping robots help Hunterdon Medical Center reduce superbug infections by 76%
The hospital has seen a 76% reduction in Clostridium difficile infection rates since it began using the robots to disinfect rooms. Mitie Landscapes strengthens NHS partnerships with a double win
For South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), Mitie will deliver a range of landscaping services across 72 sites in Gloucester, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall. Healthcare Cleaning Professionals' Forum focused on 'Facing the Future'
UK Chancellor attends landmark healthcare agreement between Serco and Jeddah hospital
Serco has been working with this leading hospital group for six months to design a new integrated service methodology, developing plans for major efficiencies and service improvements. ISS wins two large hospital contracts in Turkey
The two contracts will have a combined annual revenue of around DKK 250 million. HCAI quarterly trends January to March 2018, published
MRSA bacteraemia: ECDC reviews risk posed by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in healthcare settings
Outbreaks in healthcare settings have been reported by several EU/EEA countries including the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK. Research shows polyurethane kitchen sponge helps keep E. coli at bay
According to the study, levels of fecal bacterium E. coli were always 99.9% less in polyurethane sponges than in cellulose sponges after use in households for one month. CDC-funded clinical trial proves UV disinfection effective in decreasing C. diff hospital-wide
The study, 'Effectiveness of targeted enhanced terminal room disinfection on hospital-wide acquisition and infection with multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile: a secondary analysis of a multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial with crossover design (BETR Disinfection)', which was recently published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, discusses the prescribed secondary analysis of the BETR-D randomized clinical trial. Hospital sees 47% reduction in HAIs after adding pulsed xenon UV disinfection to cleaning protocols
Trinity Health deployed two Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots two years ago as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) - infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment in a hospital, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
The dirtiest touch point was the touchscreen on the check-in kiosk, which had 10 times as many contaminants as the toilet seat. Self-cleaning surfaces create cleaner healthcare facilities and improve patient experience
NanoTouch Materials, in Forest, Virginia, has used new advances in nanotechnology to create NanoSeptic self-cleaning surfaces, enabling healthcare facilities to achieve a higher level of cleanliness. NanoSeptic skins and mats turn dirty high traffic touchpoints, such as reception counters, door handles, and over-the-bed tray tables into continuously self-cleaning surfaces. ISS Australia wins award for healthcare innovation
The easy-to-use tablet allows patients to give real-time feedback from their beds, enabling ISS to quickly address any potential problems. The innovation was implemented to improve the quality of cleaning services, as well as the patients' perception of room cleanliness and their overall hospital experience. SwipeSense acquires mobile application for recording hand hygiene observations
As part of its commitment to helping hospitals save more lives, SwipeSense reached an agreement with the University of Iowa to take ownership of iScrub Lite and will now be responsible for maintaining and ensuring the free application remains available to the infection control community. Hero Wipes to launch new bloodborne pathogen antiseptic wipes for EMS providers
With the launch of Hero Wipes EMS, first responders now have a wipe that effectively cleans and kills 99.9% of germs to reduce the risk of infection that bloodborne pathogens present. And, of course, if they are good for first responders, they are good for anyone who risks coming into contact with someone else's blood - such as cleaners. Ontario unions to form alliance for respect for 75,000 hospital workers
This is the first time the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (OCHU/CUPE), SEIU Healthcare and Unifor have come together to seek a negotiated agreement on behalf of 75,000 nurses, personal support workers, cleaners, porters, and administrative, dietary and trades staff at 160 Ontario hospitals. |
