A UK medical technology company has launched a new solution which will help Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust treat patients while improvement works are underway.
Vanguard Healthcare Solutions recently launched mobile endoscope decontamination units to help hospitals meet increased demand for endoscopy procedures, which is set to rise by an estimated 10% year on year across the UK.
Set in mobile clinical units designed and built by Vanguard, the specialist suites are used to clean or decontaminate equipment used in endoscopic procedures including gastric, bowel and chest examinations.
The unit is fully HTM compliant, including all aspects relating to fire safety, and has been designed in accordance with JAG guidelines.
With separate entrance and exit doors, the workflow of the unit means dirty and clean scopes are always kept separate.
It provides a spacious, climate-controlled work environment with natural light through windows and glass doors, and a staff welfare area, all designed and equipped in consultation with frontline clinical staff.
The suites have been designed to enable hospitals to continue endoscopy services when their own inhouse decontamination areas are running at full capacity, equipment needs to be replaced, or is out of service.
One of the first units is set to be installed at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford this week as part of a planned programme of improvements.
The suite will support ongoing endoscopic procedures while the hospital creates a larger and much-improved permanent facility.
The suite will be on site for nine months and daily it will be able to decontaminate up to 120 endoscopes used in a range of procedures including colonoscopies and gastric examinations.
Vanguard was awarded the contract after being successful in a mini competition within the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative framework.
Steve Peak, Vanguard delivery and development director, said: “Hospital facilities are managing heavy workloads and any closures, whether unplanned or as part of a scheduled refurbishment, can have a significant impact on the hospital’s service provision.
“We are delighted that we have been able to support the John Radcliffe Hospital in this way while it improves its existing facilities and develops an improved, larger and permanent unit.”
