Air Disinfector Helps Fight Viral Disease

The infection prevention and control programme at Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust is showing excellent progress this year and technology company Inov8 Science is delighted that some of this success is being attributed to the AD (Air Disinfection) unit. Emulating the natural disinfection properties of the open air (The Open Air Factor) the AD emits a constant low-level stream of hydroxyl radicals that attack airborne bacteria and viruses. Measuring less than 41 x 20cm, the AD is a small device that is generally fixed to a wall in locations with the greatest potential for pathogen proliferation. So, for example, at Hereford units were initially placed throughout the older Nightingale style wards where there had been particular problems with outbreaks and ward closures. Subsequently units have been placed in all wards in the main hospital except for the children’s and women’s health wards.

Reporting excellent progress, Hereford Hospital NHS Trust has had no MRSA bloodstream infections since April 2009 and Clostridium difficile numbers have more than halved compared with this time last year. Noroviruses are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (upset stomach) in the UK. Affecting between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every year, norovirus is a particular concern within contained environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person and can survive for several days in a contaminated area. There are many types of norovirus, and it is possible for infection to occur several times because, following infection, immunity to the virus only lasts for 14 weeks.