It has been reported that a potentially-fatal Japanese fungus – resistant to drugs – has infected more than 200 patients across at least 55 UK hospitals. The superbug can live both on the skin and inside the body and is especially dangerous to those with a weakened immune system.
Outbreaks of ‘Candida auris’ have affected both NHS and independent hospitals and although no deaths have yet been reported, 27 patients have developed bloodstream infections.
With the NHS already under enormous strain, the avoidance of such outbreaks is essential. This is why the existence of groundbreaking ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) solutions must become more commonly known.
These include pioneering air and surface disinfection systems such as those provided by Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions, which apply powerful ultraviolet-C (UVC) light within buildings in order to remove contaminants such as viruses and protect occupants.
At the forefront of the Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions range is CoilCare®, a chemical-free unit that uses UVC photoniser lamps mounted within the air handling unit (AHU) of a building’s HVAC system to destroy contaminants on the cooling coil surface and in the surrounding air.
Continuous CoilCare®use prevents pollutants from entering occupied spaces within healthcare facilities and stops the spread of infection in areas such as wards, operating theatres and waiting areas.
The low-maintenance CoilCare® system provides reassurance to facilities managers that vulnerable patients, staff and visitors are breathing sterile, healthy air, while a swift return on investment via energy savings makes it an economical solution at a time when the NHS is under severe financial pressure.
Find out more about CoilCare® by calling Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions‘ Colin Hardman on 07940 544 206 or email colin@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.
