Healthcare-associated infections – such as E. coli and C. difficile - can develop as a direct result of healthcare interventions, or from being in contact with a healthcare setting.
They pose a serious risk to patients, staff, and visitors, as well as incurring significant costs for the NHS.
Sluice rooms play a crucial role in the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) as they provide a designated, controlled environment for the safe and hygienic disposal of human waste, as well as the cleaning of reusable medical equipment. By containing and managing potentially infectious materials, sluice rooms help prevent the spread of pathogens within healthcare facilities, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and HCAIs.
For busy hospitals and care homes, it’s vital to use sluice room equipment that can keep up with intense demand. The Panamatic Maxi and Optima 3 bedpan washers have been a popular choice for healthcare facilities over many years – and now, DDC Dolphin is pleased to announce new and improved models to further increase their infection control and functionality benefits.
The Panamatic Maxi has long been a reliable asset in busy wards and high-dependency units. Its latest iteration brings notable enhancements that resonate with the needs of modern healthcare settings.
The addition of an extra urine bottle spigot boosts the machine’s capacity by 20%. When fully loaded, this increase is coupled with a 20% reduction in both energy and water consumption per item - aligning with growing sustainable practices in healthcare.
The integration of an antimicrobial agent in the new decal and plastic front is a leading-edge feature which significantly reduces microbial growth.
Perhaps one of the most significant updates is the replacement of the previous foot pedal with an Ultrasonic non-contact sensor. This move towards touchless technology minimises the risk of cross-contamination, as well as ridding the machine of a potential dirt trap.
The new rounded, illuminated operation buttons are not only user-friendly but also reduce the potential for dirt and germ accumulation. The modern aesthetic upgrade creates visual appeal and – most importantly - surfaces that are easier to clean and maintain.
The Optima 3, known for its compact build and impressive capacity, has also received updates that enhance its infection control capabilities.
Like the Maxi, the Optima 3 now features a plastic front and a large decal with antimicrobial surfaces. These surfaces are less hospitable to bacteria, thus playing a significant role in preventing the spread of HCAIs. This is coupled with the rounded, illuminated buttons that prioritise easy cleaning.
The Optima 3 follows suit with the Maxi in adopting the ultrasonic non-contact sensor technology. This advancement is pivotal in reducing touchpoints and, consequently, the transmission of pathogens.
For nurses, care staff and infection control professionals, these updates represent a stronger line of defence against HCAIs. With the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighting the importance of infection control, these enhancements come at a crucial time.
They offer:
The upgrades to the Panamatic Maxi and Optima 3 have been engineered to serve the evolving landscape of healthcare needs.
For those at the front line of patient care and infection prevention, these updates are welcome progress – offering practical, real-world solutions in the ongoing battle against infections in healthcare settings.