Exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak, the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) continues to be a major challenge for care homes and hospitals. This involves a combination of infection prevention strategies which need to include safe and innovative bathroom and wet room equipment. Without the right antimicrobial baths and bathroom fixtures, harmful microbes can thrive leading to bather and carer contamination. Equally the design and quality of equipment is critical, so cleaning is effective and surface integrity is maintained. This is where Gainsborough power-assisted baths and G360 bathrooms are proven to deliver an effective, holistic approach to infection control – tackling the problem of Superbugs now and in the future.
Infection control legislation
The introduction of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Care Quality Commission has led to health and social care establishments implementing strategies aimed at breaking the chain of cross-contamination between sources of harmful bacteria and patients. Nevertheless, Covid-19 now represents a new challenge for care homes with more stringent measures required. Hence this is why specialist bathrooms from Gainsborough are now regarded as even more care critical through quality design and inbuilt antimicrobial BioCote.
BioCote protected bathing
Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms is the only specialist UK bath manufacturer capable of providing a world-leading level of integrated infection control technology. BioCote is an additive which is included during the bath manufacturing process and provides 99.9% 24/7 protection against an array of harmful microbes. These including Influenza H1N1, E.coli, Salmonella and antibiotic-resistant CRO, CRE, VRE and MRSA. As it is integrated into composite materials, BioCote cannot be wiped or worn away and hence provides continual hygiene management and protection. With the new Covid-19 risk, the need for bathroom products that limit microbes and pathogen growth is now super-critical for care environments.
All of Gainsborough baths, including the flagship Gentona, include BioCote as standard. It is a pioneering, invisible solution that requires zero maintenance or extra specialist fluids – representing a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Wider infection control
Flooring and walls
In terms of safe flooring, Gainsborough installs quality brands such as Altro with caped 100mm covering. This provides durable, slip resistant surfaces that allow thorough cleaning right to the edge of the room so microbes cannot harbour in crevasses. Materials that are HACCP Approved or Food-Safe PVCu Polymer provide robust surfaces that operate effectively even at 60OC. This again reduces the risk of surface degradation and the possibility of microbe build-up.
Walls can be clad with paint, tiles or boarding however there are several factors to consider in terms of appropriate materials. Advanced wall boarding can provide better performance in certain scenarios, especially when considering infection control. Two examples include Altro Whiterock wall covering with welded seams and Gainsborough’s BioClad antimicrobial PVC Wall Cladding which contains BioCote.
Walls can be clad with paint, tiles or boarding however there are several factors to consider in terms of appropriate materials. Advanced wall boarding can provide better performance in certain scenarios, especially when considering infection control. Two examples include Altro Whiterock wall covering with welded seams and Gainsborough’s BioClad antimicrobial PVC Wall Cladding which contains BioCote.
Design and finish
BioCote is only a complementary solution; it must be implemented with strict and consistent cleaning protocols. This is where simplistic design of sanitary ware, showers and other fixtures is essential – ideally with seamless or minimal joints so disinfectants can reach all areas.
Ventilation and drainage
A key part of wet room management and durability is ensuring a good air replacement strategy to reduce high levels of humidity. Without this extraction, a moist atmosphere will linger which can exacerbate the growth of microbes.
Summary
Infection control is now more of a priority than ever before in the long-term care sector. By combining antimicrobial technology, quality equipment and considered design, G360 accessible bathrooms and wet rooms can assist greatly with the battle against Superbugs.
Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms, part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group.
Tel: 01527 400 022
Email: info@gainsboroughbaths.com
http://www.gainsboroughbaths.com/