London Hospital trials European cleaning system
October 1st 2004 The UK's first ‘in-house’ comparison of a successful European cleaning system compared with traditional UK hospital cleaning methods has shown it to be effective in tackling hospital acquired infections like MRSA. The microfibre system used in the trial was the Jonmaster Microfibre System developed by JohnsonDiversey
The study, conducted at Whipps Cross Hospital London, follows increasing government and public concern about hospital cleanliness and the pressing need for higher standards of cleanliness.
The cleaning system proved so efficient that it is being introduced into several hospitals across the UK, including Whipps Cross, and the results of the survey are now being presented to members of parliament.
The independent evaluation compared a new microfibre system, already used in several countries in Europe, against the hospital's own ‘inhouse’ 1% neutral detergent /1000ppm hypochlorite method (the highest general level of disinfectant).
Whereas the microfibre system uses only a small amount of water with no disinfectants, the hypochlorite solution is an irritant. It is only used in small, discrete parts of the hospital to provide the highest levels of hygiene which is why it was specifically selected to test the limits of the new technology. As well as making a direct comparison between the microfibre system and traditional methods, the hospital's Infection Control team were interested in the practicalities of introducing a new cleaning concept to contract cleaning staff.One such practicality when using the microfibre technology is the avoidance of using ‘dirty mops’ – a widely reported contributor to the spread of infections such as MRSA.
Over 1500 environmental samples were taken over a four week period using a double blind crossover scenario in two defined areas within a 16-bedded isolation ward - usually used for cohort isolation of MRSA patients.
Using standardised methodology and by using the same individual throughout to control the results, samples were taken from floors; laminar surfaces; lockers;windowsills; curtain rails; patient's tables; contoured surfaces and towel dispensers.
The final results were compiled by an independent laboratory (Industrial Microbiological Services, UK) and the findings were conclusive. Although using the hypochlorite method statistically showed a greater reduction in the number of aerobic bacteria on both floors and laminar surfaces,Whipps Cross Deputy Director of Infection Prevention & Control, Lone Sarosi explains that the microfibre technology has no need to use dirty mops with the hazards of spreading gramnegative bacteria in wet environments and, Health and Safety advantages include chemical avoidance and the use of heavy buckets of solutions.
The results confirm that no statistical difference between the two cleaning methods could be defined although some results favoured the hypochlorite method, which it's important to state is not used throughout the hospital for general cleaning.Caustic hypochlorite is generally used on hospital wards in extreme conditions only and rarely used on a day-to-day basis, whereas the microfibre method offers a cleaner-friendly and more practical method for daily cleaning of hospital wards.
A letter fully detailing the research concludes that:‘The operators were unanimously positive and reported a more user friendly, speedier system and visually cleaner appearance where the microfibre system had been used and which left more time to do high cleaning due to the additional accessories the system offers.’ More articles from JohnsonDiversey Equipment Ltd: | 
