Pathogen Transmission Reduction Devices for Doors.

A reduction in the transmission of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAI’s) such as E.coli, Enterococcus Faecalis, S.Aureus, MRSA & C-Diff is a major NHS objective. In addition to better hand hygiene, effective cleaning of contact surfaces such as door handles & push plates is essential; ideally they should remain disinfected at all times. Existing self-cleaning handles & push-plates are expensive and have long response times of up to 24 hours rendering then non-efficacious.
The applicants have developed an innovative range of patent-pending, compression-activated hand hygiene devices that clip-fit directly to existing door handles and push plates in hospital & clinical environments to reduce the spread of HCAIs. On contact, the devices immediately deliver any clinically-approved disinfectant liquid directly to the immediate contact surface thereby producing a rapid self-cleaning effect on the pad or handle. Any residual liquid evaporates, leaving it dry within seconds of use. Door handles & pushplates are therefore rendered disinfected at all times, reducing the risk of microorganism transmission in the seconds between one user & the next passing through the door. The product aims to provide a secondary defense system, designed specifically to complement existing alcohol gel dispensers & effectively act as though the door has been disinfected after each & every user.
The technology has passed NHS In-Vitro trials, killing a range of bacteria in seconds & has gained the support of key NHS buyers & Infection Control specialists. In addition, potential commercial customers have also expressed an interest in trialling the product upon launch.
This project looks to take a well developed concept, fabricate prototypes, demonstrate its effectiveness in a relevant environment (durability, efficacy and user trials in a NHS hospital), & use these trials to make final product design changes. This will allow us to evaluate the clinical utility of the new product.