Release date: 18 November
Four new bedside furniture designs to reduce healthcare associated infections were made available today for the NHS to purchase after testing showed positive patient and staff feedback.
Trialled on wards in eight hospitals across England, the new designs for a patient chair, bedside cabinet, over-bed table and a commode proved easier and quicker to clean, and will further help in the fight to reduce healthcare associated infections(HCAIs) such as MRSA, C. difficile and MSSA.
Health Minister Simon Burns said:
“Cleanliness is vital in preventing healthcare associated infections. The NHS has already made significant reductions of MRSA bloodstream infections and C. difficile, but there is still room for further progress.
“These four innovative and user-friendly furniture designs – now available for hospitals to buy – provide additional ways to help to reduce these infections. They will make it easier for staff to keep wards cleaner and help combat the spread of infections. This means keeping patients healthier, as well as saving the NHS money in the long term.”
Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the evaluation
Find out more about the Design Bugs Out products at www.designbugsout.org.uk