Taking the war on superbugs to a new level
KEEPING abreast of the latest advances in the global fight against microbe resistance, Netcare The Bay Hospital took a significant step forward when it recently became the latest facility in the group to acquire a ‘germ zapping’ robot.
The Xenex Pulsed Xenon UV disinfection robots seeks and destroys viruses, bacteria and fungal spores within minutes.
The robot emits UV-C spectrum light which destroys the DNA of bacteria, viruses and fungi to neutralise them and prevent them from replicating.
The technology is entirely non-toxic and the robots’ UV light does not result in any residue or potentially harmful by-products.
This means it is completely safe for use in even the most sensitive environments, including neonatal intensive care units.
Xenex robots are fast becoming an established line of defence against bacteria, viruses and fungi in healthcare facilities across Europe and the United States and were recently made available in Africa as a testament to their impressive global results.
‘Having tested the robots in two facilities in separate provinces, we found the results lived up to the independent international studies endorsing this method of disinfection,’ said Dr Maslo, Netcare’s Senior Clinical Advisor.
‘What we found particularly impressive is that the pulsed high-intensity xenon UV light used by the robot is not only highly effective in destroying viruses, bacteria and fungal spores, but is also able to achieve thorough disinfection far more quickly than other traditional methods.
‘This form of disinfection is particularly useful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, commonly referred to as ‘superbugs’, and has the added benefit that it is non-toxic.
‘Rigorous disinfection can be done within minutes, with minimal disruption to busy hospital areas, and the robots can be used 24 hours-a-day.’
That is not to say the robots are taking the place of employees. It is rather a case of robots empowering employees, given that the cleaning staff responsible for operating this technology are acquiring new skill sets through training they have received since the robots’ arrival.
‘This new technology does not replace the infection risk management protocols and procedures we already have in place, but will be used alongside them as an additional weapon in our arsenal against potentially harmful germs,’ said Alan Abrahams, Netcare The Bay Hospital General Manager.