UV-C disinfection concept

The scrutiny around cleaning quality is at an all-time high, and for hospitals or healthcare facilities this pressure elevates even further. To ensure patient rooms are properly disinfected, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, Indiana, recently made a significant investment into ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfecting robots according to KPC News.

While an integral step in ensuring that patient rooms don’t have any missed touchpoints, the robots play a supplementary role to the environmental services (EVS) who still complete the standard cleaning sterilization procedure following a patient exit. The robots utilize electromagnetic energy using a mercury lamp, which damages the organism cells and eliminates reproduction capability. As it stands, Cameron Memorial currently has two of these UV-C robots being utilized on two separate floors of the hospital.

Rachel Faulkner, Cameron Memorial University Hospital chief quality officer, adds that the robots are also automated to move and clean on their own, meaning the front-line cleaning stuff doesn’t have to worry about manually shifting the robot in order to complete the UV radiation. It’s noted however, that people can’t be in the same room as the robot when cleaning is being done for safety precautions. 

The autonomous capability of the robots make it capable of disinfecting rooms of various sizes, making it ideal for restroom cleaning as well. Since the robots aren’t capable of cleaning up liquids, however, it’s important for frontline staff to still go about common cleaning procedures, especially for toilet or shower areas. When used as a supplementary feature, it’s a critical layer of insurance for identifying and eradication superbugs and other key culprits of hospital acquired infections. The technology provides a peace-of-mind that Cameron Memorial’s facility staff and patients are equally grateful to have. 

For related content on UV-C technology and its adoption, click here.