Healthcare environments continue to present risks of infection, particularly in a post-pandemic era. However, with effective products, training and support, the issue of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) can be tackled.

A shifting focus

Since the pandemic, environmental decontamination has been a key focus within the healthcare industry. COVID-19 has been the main focus, with other microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) posing a troublesome issue. Fortunately, many infection prevention & control (IPC) solutions like 2-in-1 cleaning & disinfectant wipes help combat these microorganisms.

Recently, Dr Mark Garvey, a consultant clinical scientist and deputy director of infection prevention and control at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) gave a presentation at the Central Sterilisation Club’s (CSC) annual scientific meeting; about reducing the environmental transmission of infections within healthcare.

Dr Garvey discussed the importance of environmental decontamination within healthcare and showed many examples of contamination within healthcare settings. After showing various examples of contamination, Dr Garvey stated, “When healthcare practitioners undertake their degrees, how much training do they have around cleaning and its importance– particularly around the science and reasons why we do what we do?”

Find out more information on Dr Garvey’s presentation, in the Clinical Services Journal.

Why does environmental decontamination matter?

Microorganisms can dwell on surfaces, ranging from countertops, door handles and electronics to equipment like blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes. Therefore, ensuring these surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly is vital.

Additionally, the type of product used will significantly affect environmental decontamination. Hospital wipes such as antimicrobial or disinfectant wipes are perfect infection prevention solutions that effectively kill microorganisms with ease. 2-in-1 disinfectant wipes such as Clinell Universal cleans and disinfects surfaces–detergents clean visible soilage, disinfectants kill microorganisms and the specifically designed wipe to pick up organic material.

Evolving IPC practices

The industry standard for disinfecting surfaces is quite often chlorine solutions. However, diluting chlorine to the right level to effectively disinfect surfaces can be easily misjudged and even help transfer microorganisms through washcloths if over diluted. However, pre-dosed 2-in-1 disinfectant wipes such as Clinell Universal have shown positive results within healthcare in the UK and internationally.

In 2016, St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City (SLMCQC) & its sister hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City in Taguig, Philippines, were experiencing the issues of mixing disinfectant solutions and conducted a trial that introduced Clinell Universal Wipes into certain areas of the hospital.

This pilot study would win the Philippine Hospital Association Hospital Best Practices in Infection Prevention and Control Awards. SLMCQC has since introduced Clinell Universal Wipes to other departments within the hospital and hasn’t looked back since. The conclusion of Ms Arnefelina S. Tamayo, the Infection Control Services Department Manager at SLMCQC, was:

“We now use the wipes in most parts of the facility, both critical and non-critical areas. Even for backend offices such as the medical records department, staff use the wipes to disinfect tables, computers or scanning machines.”

For more information read: How this Philippine hospital improved cleaning efficiency and cut hospital-acquired infections

Results you can trust

Disinfectant wipes are a reliable IPC method for surface cleaning & disinfection. Simple to use, with realistic contact times, wipes like Clinell Universal are made for real-world applications, not just a petri dish.

Clinell Universal 200 Wipes

The UK’s most trusted 2-in-1 detergent and disinfectant wipe for surface cleaning and disinfection of non-invasive medical devices. Our patented near-neutral pH formula ensures exceptional material compatibility, kills at least 99.99% of germs after 10 seconds, norovirus within one minute and reduces instances of MRSA by 55%.[1]

Clinell Universal 84 Wipes

Our Clinell Universal Wipes 84 pack are the perfect wipes for smaller usage occasions. Reducing waste whilst delivering powerful cleaning and disinfection, Clinell Universal Wipes kill 99.99% of bacteria and enveloped viruses – including coronavirus and the monkeypox virus.

Related article: Can Clinell products kill monkeypox virus?

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