A cutting edge cystic fibrosis (CF) centre being constructed at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital will feature antimicrobial copper door furniture throughout in a bid to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections in particularly vulnerable patients.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa chest infections are apparently of particular concern to CF sufferers, being potentially transmissible between them, so it was important that the new facility incorporate first-class infection prevention measures. Dr Frank Edenborough, consultant at the Sheffield Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, explained the role copper will play: “We felt it could make an important contribution towards minimising surface contamination from hands or coughing, killing potentially dangerous pathogens in between cleans, and augmenting rigorous hygiene protocols.” Architect Rebecca Haverty of Race Cottam Associates, which designed the Centre, was also enthusiastic, both about antimicrobial copper’s germ-killing potential, and its ability to fit in with the facility’s “modern, elegant theme”. “The range of alloys available means any project can gain from copper’s benefits,” she said. “We chose to use an almost pure copper to make a statement, but a nickel silver finish would look good too.” A piece of copper artwork by prominent London-based metal smith Adaesi Ukairo (pictured) will greet patients, staff, and visitors, when they enter.
