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It uses no chemicals, but it can sanitize a hospital or treatment room in as little as 15 minutes. A new ultraviolet light technology has been introduced into the Environmental Services (EVS) Department at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill. The benefit promises to be great for patients and staff alike.
Called SURFACIDE Total Room Disinfection, the equipment delivers ultraviolet (UV)-C energy in a highly effective manner. A triple emitter configuration allows the system to ensure full eradication of any pathogens (germs) on surfaces or in the air. There are no known bacteria or viruses that can survive UV-C energy technology including the coronavirus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is used in patient rooms and other areas of the hospital after regular cleaning and sanitizing has been completed.
“This technology provides an extra measure of protection for patients and staff,” says William “Bill” Reppy, President, LVH–Schuylkill. “We are very fortunate to have this technology here and now in Schuylkill County. In fact, when you enter our facilities, you can be assured that we do not just look clean, we are clean.”
LVH–Schuylkill is the only hospital in Schuylkill County using the SURFACIDE technology.
Other Lehigh Valley Health Network facilities also use ultraviolet light technology to supplement their cleaning and sterilization practices.
“At a time when everyone is so rightly concerned about germs and proper sanitation, it is absolutely essential that we are able to make this technology available here at our Pottsville facilities,” notes Terry Wagner, Director of EVS. “Infection prevention is the reality of clean.”
The unit at LVH–Schuylkill uses a system equipped with three emitters or towers. The SURFACIDE system is able to cover more surface area than single emitters during a single cycle. This ability to cover more surface area allows for safer, more efficient cleaning of patient rooms, bathrooms, ORs and any other area within the hospital that require supplemental disinfection. With SURFACIDE’s three emitters operating during the same disinfection cycle, more surfaces are exposed, leaving behind a safer environment.
LVH–Schuylkill will use the technology in patient rooms, operating suites, exam rooms, restrooms and other areas.
Employees began using the ultraviolet technology in early July.