Nick Hill, FIHEEM, of independent consultancy, Water Quality London, a former chair of IHEEM’s Water Technical Platform who sits on the Institute’s Authorising Engineer (Water) Registration Board, describes the microorganisms which inhabit the drains serving washbasins in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and considers some of the alternative approaches to managing the risks they present.
Abstract
Let’s do a bit of market research. I’d like to present a new product for installation in every hospital ward. It will form a fundamental part of the infection prevention and control practices in such settings. Before considering the benefits of this new device, please allow me to describe the technical specification, operational aspects, and other features of this device. I should say at this stage that a number of unnamed hospitals have already installed this product on a trial basis.
The product consists of a small vessel which sits so inconspicuously in the ward that most people don’t notice it. It contains an aqueous solution of various harmless chemicals and several species of microorganisms, including pathogens, some of which are antibiotic-resistant. Once installed, it will be necessary for nurses, domestic assistants, patients, visitors, and other staff, to feed the microorganisms with appropriate nutrients on a frequent basis, at least several times a day. In order to maintain its potency, nurses should also ensure that it is dosed with antibiotics to ensure that only antibiotic-resistant strains survive. I know staff are very busy, but I also know from experience that they are willing to do this task.
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