A pillowcase invented by an Essex physiologist should, it is hoped, help to reduce infection risk, increase patient comfort, and cut costs.
The Bolton Pillow Case (BPC), created by Ian Bolton, senior cardiac physiologist and infection prevention link practitioner at Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital, has a surface cleanable “in seconds” with an antibacterial wipe, “between patients”. It was developed with help from Health Enterprise East (HEE), and will be produced by Teal Furniture. Ian Bolton explained: “The BPC was designed in response to a major change in working practice to meet current infection prevention procedures, which were proving very time-consuming, and adding costs. Made from the same material as a conventional clinic couch, it has a flap along its top edge which hangs over the top of a couch backrest. Along the flap’s far edge are discreet counter balance weights which stop it sliding down the backrest. It can be put into position in around two seconds without fixings, and stays in place. It takes many conventional pillow cases out of the system, saving on laundry, renewal, and distribution costs, reduces time taking off a soiled pillowcase and fitting a clean one, and lowers hospitalacquired infection risks.
