Selecting reusable equipment that is fit for purpose

Source: Nursing Times, volume 106, issue 27, pages 15-7

For fulltext link here

Date of publication: July 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: An infection prevention and control team (IPCT) identified a commode chair that would meet the needs of patients and could be cleaned and disinfected easily. The process followed to ensure the commode was fit for purpose could be applied when searching for other reusable equipment to ensure it meets patients’ needs and meets infection control guidelines.

Length of publication: Web page

Specially designed lockers reduce infection risk

Source: Nursing Times

For fulltext link here

Date of publication: May 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust is piloting the use of specially designed bedside lockers as an additional infection control measure. The lockers have smooth surfaces, removable drawers and no crevices or joins, to facilitate thorough cleaning. The lockers also include a shelf to allow staff to write on notes at the bedside and additional storage space for medicines.

Length of publication: Web page

Single use anaesthetic safety tray to reduce infection risk

Source: Nursing Times

For fulltext link here

Date of publication: June 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A single use anaesthetics safety trasy has been developed by Vernacare. Its aim is to reduce infection control risk and operating theatre error. The tray includes different compartments for syringes, ampoules and sharps. It is hoped that single use of the tray will reduce infection control risk associated with re-use of equipment.

Length of publication: Web page

High Impact Intervention (HII): Care bundle to improve the cleaning and decontamination of clinical equipment

Source: Clean, Safe Care

For fulltext link here

Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Best practice

In a nutshell: High Impact Interventions (HII) are simple evidence based tools that provide guidance on the practical actions that clinical staff need to undertake to significantly reduce health care associated infections. This care bundle offers guidance on ways to improve the cleaning and decontamination of clinical equipment.

Length of publication: 6 pages

Infection control curtain wins innovation award

Source: Nursing Times
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Date of publication: 2009
Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A disposable curtain that contains a residual biocide to kill bacteria has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

Length of publication: Web page

Hospital furniture to beat the bugs

Source:  Design Council
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Date of publication: 2009
Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A project which aims to help control the risk of healthcare associated infections by challenging top designers to design everyday hospital furniture and equipments that is easier and quicker to clean.

The Department of Health commissioned the Design Council to lead a ‘Design Bugs Out’ project as part of its HCAI Technology Innovation Programme.

Top UK designers and manufacturers collaboratively developed and prototypes five new pieces of furniture including an intelligent mattress, a self-timing cannula and a moulded bedside cabinet.

Length of publication: Web page
Acknowledgement: BBC news

Why green means clean

Source: Nursing Management UK, March 2009, volume 15 issue 10, pages 10-11

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Casy study of an initiative at Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust to mark cleaned beds and equipment with a signed and dated green ribbon as a visible sign in order to improve infection control procedures and convey a visible sign of cleanliness to patients.

Length of publication: 3 pages

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