New technology the right dose for hospitals

A new development in cleaning technology is set to dramatically lower the risk of cross contamination and reduce the amount of water used in healthcare environments.

The Equodose system, launched by Jigsaw Cleaning Systems and developed by Filmop, is an innovative mechanical dosing device which soaks a mop with exactly the right amount of water and cleaning solution required.

The adjustable mechanism means mops can be dosed with precision according to type of mop, surface, and the level of dirt.

It is designed so that staff can accurately prepare mops as they clean without having to pre-soak mops that may not end up being used, wasting both water and chemicals.

The mops used are micro fibre double sided 40cm flat mops which are colour coded to reflect and health and safety legislation. Scrubbing mops are also available for non-slip floors.

Brian Boll, systems director at Jigsaw Cleaning Systems, said: “We’re excited to be working with Filmop and we think the introduction of Equodose into healthcare environments will have huge benefits in terms of infection control and reducing costs.

“The accurate dosing feature means facilities staff will never use more water or solution than is required, and mops can be prepared quickly and easily and transported using the trolley. This means there is no need to pre-prepare mops, eliminating waste and the unnecessary washing of unused mops.

“The risk of cross contamination is reduced and staff will have no need to use the same mop across different rooms, which often results in the spread of infection.”

The potential for savings using Equodose will be also welcomed by the NHS, which was accused by The Tax Payers’ Alliance of wasting £41.4m on water and energy in the year 2012-13.

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reported an ‘unacceptably high’ figure of one in 16 patients in NHS hospitals picking up infections.