Vernacare is setting new standards in infection prevention with its new Vortex+ disposal unit, which uses touch-less technology to ensure the disposal of patient waste from toileting and washing is entirely hands-free.
The new Vortex+ is activated via a foot sensor to open and close the machine, eliminating the need for any hand movement or contact. This reduces the risk of cross-infection when disposing of fibre-moulded bedpans, urinals and other products containing human waste.
The new technology can be ‘auto-start’ enabled, which means that when the lid closes, the machine starts automatically without the need to press a start button. As well as eliminating hand contact, the 'auto-start' upgrade also prevents multiple waste containers ‘stacking up’ in the machine. This overcomes the potential problem of overloading the machine and ensures the effective flow of the disintegrated waste particles through the drains.
“The original Vortex is widely considered to be the market-leading machine, but the new Vortex+ machine offers some important improvements”, said Emma Sheldon, Vernacare’s group marketing director.
“The hands free operation and ‘auto-start’ features have both been created with input from our customers. The automatic start upgrade is particularly useful in older installations – helping to keep the drains clear by reducing the pulp-to-water ratio”.
The new Vortex+ retains the original closed-drum system of the existing Vortex model. With its sealed, water-filled hopper and unique twin-blade design, the machine ensures that waste products are broken down into a fine slurry. Independent tests prove that the Vortex system discharges with a velocity of nearly four times that of alternative machines and that the solids content is also substantially lower and less variable. This helps to ensure free-flowing drains.
The new model retains other original Vortex features, including an integrated automatic anti-bacterial deodoriser which cleans and disinfects inside the machine at the end of each cycle. A self-diagnosing display panel, together with manual emptying override, also makes machine maintenance easier.
The Vortex+ is highly energy efficient because it operates using a cold water process. In addition, its powerful 1kW three-phase motor enables a rapid cycle time of just two minutes for up to four pulp waste containers. Soundproofing has been incorporated into the new system design to allow use during the night.
Its moulded surface casing is designed to enable efficient cleaning and will withstand disinfectants and detergents.
The Vortex+ is manufactured to ISO EN 9001:2008 standards and tested to ensure compliance with CE and BS requirements. It is also independently tested for compliance to PAS 029, including stringent five-stage testing to ensure 100% effective breakdown of disposable products for effective discharge via the drains.
Vernacare is the only company worldwide to manufacture a complete single-use human waste disposal system and has been the global market leader for more than 50 years. Its system helps to reduce the risk of cross infection and improve environmental performance, while saving nursing time and generating cost savings.
The Vortex+ machines and fibre-moulded disposable products – from wash bowls and bedpans – to male and female urinals – are designed, engineered and manufactured at Vernacare’s award winning UK production facility.