A rapid portable test for MRSA, a hydrogen peroxide vapour system for decontaminating enclosed rooms, wards and equipment, and steam cleaning technology for safe removal of harmful pathogens, were among new technologies to help combat healthcareassociated infections (HCAIs) recognised recently at the first HCAI Technology Innovation Programme Awards.
Held at Chelsea Football Club, the awards ceremony followed the first International HCAI Technology Innovation Summit, marking the first anniversary of the HCAI Technology Innovation Programme, a joint Department of Health/ NHS PASA initiative to speed up development and adoption of new technologies in the health service. The award for “Innovative technological concept or new and novel product or technology offering the greatest contribution in controlling Clostridium difficile” was won by Bioquell’s hydrogen peroxide vapour system, reportedly “highly effective in decontaminating enclosed rooms, wards and equipment”. Hydrogen peroxide vapour injected into enclosed areas condenses on the surfaces to kill bacteria including MRSA and C. difficile. OspreyDeepclean won the award for “New and/or novel product or technology with the greatest contribution to enhancing the cleanliness of the hospital environment” for its steam cleaning technology for removing harmful pathogens from hospital environments. The system entails heating water to a vapour temperature and then controlling the release of vapour. The award for “actual new and/or novel HCAI-related product or technology likely or proven to help reduce infection” was won by TwixtDx, for use of its DNA technology, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), to develop a rapid, portable test for MRSA with the potential to give results within 15 minutes. ErgoMedica’s MedMat, a two-layer sterile mat for use during procedures such as dressing, line and catheter changes, with an integrated waste bag for non-sharp clinical waste, won the award for “Innovative technological concept originating from industry with the most potential to prevent HCAI”. Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s implementation of a new rapid MRSA BCR testing technology won it recognition for “The team or individual from the NHS or industry that has contributed in the most practical way to promoting the development and/or adoption of HCAI-related technology”.
