Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, which has recently launched a range of mobile endoscope decontamination units against a backdrop where demand for endoscopy procedures is set to rise by an estimated 10% year-on-year across the UK, has installed one of the first at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.
The suite will be on site for nine months, supporting ongoing endoscopic procedures while the hospital creates a larger and improved permanent facility.
It will be able to decontaminate up to 120 endoscopes used in a range of procedures including colonoscopies and gastric examinations daily. Vanguard was awarded the contract to provide the specialist unit after being successful in a mini-competition within the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative framework.
The HTM-compliant, designed in accordance with JAG guidelines, has separate entrance and exit doors, with its workflow ensuring that dirty and clean scopes are always separated. Vanguard said: “It provides a spacious, climate-controlled work environment with natural light through windows and glass doors, and a staff welfare area, all designed and equipped in consultation with frontline clinical staff. The suites have been designed to enable hospitals to continue endoscopy services when their own in-house decontamination areas are running at full capacity, or equipment needs to be replaced or is out of service.”
Steve Peak, Vanguard Delivery and Development director, said: “Hospital facilities are managing heavy workloads, and any closures – whether unplanned or as part of a scheduled refurbishment – can have a significant impact on the hospital’s service provision.
“We are delighted to have been able to support the John Radcliffe Hospital in this way while it improves its existing facilities and develops an improved, larger, and permanent unit. We have worked closely with the hospital to ensure that the design of the facility meets its needs.”
