Heating, ventilation and air conditioning solution provider, E-CO, has launched a new product that aims to help reduce the spread of MRSA in hospitals.
E-CO’s latest Steril-Aire UVC system has been designed to prevent hospital patients in high-risk areas such as operating, emergency and decontamination rooms from acquiring MRSA from an infected patient who has previously occupied the room.
The stand-alone disinfectant product can be installed and fitted flush to the ceilings of isolated high-risk areas of hospitals. Recognised across the world as an effective weapon against viruses and bacteria, the product shines ultraviolet (UV) light on surfaces, sterilising them and reducing the spread of pathogens, such as MRSA and C.difficile. The UV light penetrates the cell walls of micro-organisms, damaging the DNA and preventing its ability to replicate.
Fitted into ceilings in patient isolation rooms, the unit is automatically activated between patient changes to reduce the risk of the next person occupying the room from acquiring infections. Rooms are equipped with motion detectors and contact detectors to ensure doors are closed and rooms unoccupied when the UVC lights are operating. In addition, the units could disinfect operating theatres overnight, reducing the risk of post-operative infections.
Hillary Spicer, founder and director of E-CO, said: “Infections such as MRSA and C.difficile close wards and result in cancelled operations every year. And, in extreme cases, they sadly cause deaths.
“UVC technology has long been proven to kill bacteria, viruses and fungal pathogens and is effectively used in many US hospitals. We are delighted to be able to offer our UK customers this product. It is cost effective and simple to install, but could ultimately save lives. I’d like to see disinfectant technology like this used in every hospital in the UK.”
