In a world first, IT suites at Finland’s Jorvi Hospital have been kitted out with antimicrobial copper equipment to reduce the risk of infections spreading via frequently-touched surfaces.
Desks and keyboards used by doctors and nurses on an emergency ward were replaced with copper and copper-alloy products benefiting from the metal’s inherent ability to rapidly kill bacteria and viruses. Toilet and shower grab rails, door handles and toilet seats in a cardiology ward bathroom were also replaced with antimicrobial copper items.
Hard surfaces can become reservoirs of infection, harbouring pathogens such as MRSA and C. difficile that can be picked up and spread by people touching them. Clinical trials around the world have shown surfaces made from copper and many of its alloys - collectively-termed ‘antimicrobial copper’ - will continuously reduce bacterial contamination by greater than 80%.
A US study demonstrated a corresponding 58% reduction in a patient’s risk of acquiring an infection. This and other studies worldwide provide the basis of a cost-benefit analysis by York Health Economics Consortium, showing an installation of antimicrobial copper in a UK ICU offers payback in less than two months.
“We know that healthcare associated infections can spread via the hands of healthcare personnel, and also environmental surfaces,’ said Kirsi Skogberg, hygiene doctor at HUS Jorvi Hospital.
“We identified the most frequently-touched surfaces in our hospital’s emergency unit and bathroom and replaced them with copper surfaces, which seem promising new tools for augmenting existing infection control measures.’