Vernacare has developed a new commode chair - introducing a robust, easy-clean design to help reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
The new VernaChair has been developed in collaboration with clinicians from across the healthcare sector in an effort to increase patient safety.
“The new commode chair is constructed from strong, corrosion-resistant materials, making it the one of the most-durable products on the market,” said Wayne Nelson, Vernacare’s product design engineer.
“The stainless steel frame and plastic moulded parts are easy to remove and can be cleaned using a variety of methods.”
The VernaChair can be steam cleaned and withstands the thermal disinfection conditions used to clean commodes.
The new commode chair is constructed from strong, corrosion-resistant materials, making it the one of the most-durable products on the market
“This was a key consideration during our customer research,” said Emma Sheldon, marketing director.
“We evaluated the current cleaning practices for commode chairs across all of our global markets and developed a product to meet those requirements. Durability has been designed into the product and it needs fewer spare parts over its lifespan, ultimately meaning less cost for our customers.”
The VernaChair has been independently evaluated by a leading international test house to all applicable areas of quality standard BS 4751 : 2005 Mobile Sanitary Chairs. This included stability and strength tests on areas such as the arms, backrest and footrest, demonstrating the unmatched durability of the chair.
The new VernaChair commode is cleaner by design and directly addresses HCAI transmission concerns associated with this type of equipment. A recent study by van der Velden et al. identified commode chairs as a high-risk surface, with regard specifically to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmission. Studies like this further highlight the infection risk presented by commode chairs within a healthcare environment.
With castors enclosed in a protective shield to help prevent debris collection, and an easy-clean removable footrest, the new features of the VernaChair help to minimise the risk of infection transmission in such a critical piece of equipment.
To assist the introduction of the new product, Vernacare will continue to offer educational support to customers – including ward-based training, commode audits and posters highlighting best practice for the sluice room.
By reducing the time it takes to dismantle and clean the commode, we contribute to helping hospital wards become more productive
“Support and education is an important part of our offer. By reducing the time it takes to dismantle and clean the commode, we contribute to helping hospital wards become more productive,” said Sheldon.
“Most importantly, having a product that is easier to clean leads to increased patient safety and lower infection rates.”
The new VernaChair comes at a time when healthcare organisations are looking to implement interventions quickly to tackle spiralling HCAI costs. In Europe alone, it is estimated that around 4.5 million episodes of HCAIs are reported each year, with the cost to the UK NHS now widely believed to be in excess of £1billion annually.