Busy medical and nursing staff at Cumberland Infirmary's accident and emergency departments are using a time-saving, hygienic new system of organising and disposing of medical items when assessing and treating patients.
The hospital has replaced reusable plastic general purpose trays, which sit on the assessment trolleys, with Vernacare's single-use CS Receiver dishes.
These trays are made from renewable natural fibre and can be quickly disposed of after use to ensure that a clean treatment tray is used for every patient.
This avoids the inconvenience and time it takes to clean blood and other contaminants from the plastic trays.
Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary, which is part of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, completed a four-week trial of the Vernacare general-purpose tray on both its A&E and emergency assessment departments. Staff found the single-use system more convenient to use as it avoided the need to wipe clean the plastic trays ready for the next patient, allowing more time for frontline patient care and providing assured standards of cleanliness.
Elizabeth Klein, matron for emergency care and cardiology, said: "Our departments are very busy, so Vernacare's disposable trays provide a safer, cleaner and quicker method when taking blood and assessing and treating patients.
“The trays are kept together with sharps and aprons, gloves and other equipment in a single, accessible location and then can be easily disposed of after use.
“Patients are always assured of a clean tray and staff can focus on patient care, instead of cleaning trays in between use."
The CS Receiver trays are part of Vernacare's single-use system of hygienic patient toileting and washing, which is used throughout Cumberland Infirmary.
This infection prevention system comprises disposable bedpans, urinals, washbowls and other containers made from renewable natural fibre.
After each use, these products are placed in Vernacare's Vortex disposal machines, where they are broken down into a fine slurry that flows freely through the drains.
This method reduces the risk of cross infection when toileting and washing patients and is considered the gold standard globally – raising standards of patient care and increasing ward productivity.