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AirisQ Limited helps to control infection

A recent project to help fight the battle of infection control within a major London NHS trust has recently been completed.

Initially a condition and hygiene audit was carried on the indoor environment and ventilation serving 5 occupied bedded isolation rooms. Three rooms are designed to operate under constant positive pressure (for immunocomprised patients) whilst the remaining two have the capacity to operate either as negative pressure environments (for infectious patients) or positive pressure depending on clinical requirements.

The investigative survey essentially comprised:

• Main supply AHU and ductwork condition inspection
• Local room distribution supply & extract ductwork condition evaluation including mixing boxes terminal HEPA filters and room grille boxes
• Air quality within each room/lobby comprising air velocities/volumes, nominal pressures, air change rates and microbiological status
• The report not only detailed actual conditions found but provided the trust with a detailed action plan and workable cost-effective scheme to address all areas of concern

We then implemented the scheme on behalf of the trust using accredited specialist contractors. The works involved a number of key tasks; they needed to be completed within a specified time frame, carefully planned and coordinated with the site services dept, infection control and the clinicians directly responsible for patient safety and care.

These works included:

• Supply ductwork air leakage repairs on the main plant
• Decontamination and disinfection of the supply and extract distribution systems local to each room
• Installation and commissioning of room pressure gauges to allow clinicians to visually confirm and log room pressures as necessary
• Filter replacement programme including safe removal of existing HEPA’s
• Fully system re-commissioning and airflow balancing to provide the conditions required by the hospitals infection control management

An on-going programme and record system is implemented by AirisQ Limited to verify and validate air quality and conditions within each room ever six months.

The works were all completed very successfully with an excellent level of support afforded by the site services dept and the clinicians operating the facility. This close working relationship between all parties was the key to project success with total priority given to patient safety, care and need at all times.

Some project feedback:

“On behalf of Ruth Myles Unit I would like to thank you, your department and all of the firms contracted to undertake the necessary work on the ventilation system and rooms to be refurbished. The work is now successfully completed as a result of some very close and efficient team work. I was very impressed with the co-operation and commitment to patient safety shown by your staff and by all the contractors. Thank you.” - Annette Carne Matron Clinical Haematology St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust