IN THE NEWS

New ‘Bug-Busting’ Cleaning Methods Trialled at Alexandra Hospital

Media Release 4th September 2006

A new weapon in the fight against hospital ‘superbugs’ is being deployed by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Decontamination using hydrogen peroxide vapour has been proven as one of the most effective ways of eliminating the bugs which cause hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C diff.

Now, three wards at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, are to be bio-decontaminated  using the vapour, which is deadly to bacteria and viruses but is safe for patients because it is residue free and leaves behind only water vapour and oxygen.

Consultant Microbiologist at the Alexandra Hospital, Dr Jim Stone, explains: “Traditional methods of cleaning and disinfection can make a ward appear cleaner but not destroy all of the potentially harmful bacteria.

“One germ that is especially resistant to disinfectants is called Clostridium difficile, generally known as “C diff”.

“This is now the commonest cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea in the UK and other parts of the world. Although person-to-person spread is the most important means of transmission, the environment is also very significant.

“This germ produces spores that are very hardy and difficult to get rid of but the use of hydrogen peroxide vapour, which has been developed by a company called BIOQUELL, is deadly to even the toughest bacterial spores. The method has been successfully tested by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a method of getting rid of organisms used in biological warfare!

“Although the residues left behind are completely safe, the ward does have to be vacated for about 24 hours for the process to be carried out and a physical clean performed.

“An opportunity has arisen to do this at the Alexandra hospital using a temporarily closed ward as a “decant” ward. Over a period of six weeks, three wards will be refurbished, cleaned and decontaminated using a team from BIOQUELL.”

However, Dr Stone also stressed that after the cleaning operation was completed, its long-term success depended on ongoing observation of rigorous infection-control procedures – not only by staff but also patients and visitors.

“For the maximum effectiveness long-term, all staff, patients and relatives must adhere to strict infection-control procedures, in particular hand washing,” he said.

“If this is not done the environment will ultimately be re-seeded with harmful micro-organisms and the benefit will be lost.”

For more information please contact:
Janet-Marie Clark on 01905 760551 or 07733 111361
or by email at janet.clark@worcsacute.wmids.nhs.uk


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