Innovative Hand Dryer Pilot To Help Combat HCAIs, UK

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 27 May 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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An innovative hand dryer aimed at cutting the risk of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) has been launched for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations by NHS Supply Chain.

NHS Supply Chain is running a pilot contract across the country for Dyson Airblade™ - the only hand dryer certified by the leading public health and safety company, NSF International.*

The Dyson Airblade™ is the fastest and most efficient hand dryer. It dries hands up to four times quicker than standard hand dryers by scraping water off hands with a jet of air travelling at 400 mph, and eliminates 99.9% of bacteria from the air used to dry hands with a HEPA filter.

"This truly is an innovation," said Chris Graham, Senior Buyer at NHS Supply Chain. "Wet hands harbour up to 1000 times more bacteria than dry hands and in turn spread infection across healthcare sites. Patients and healthcare workers are able to dry their hands within ten seconds and at a fraction of the cost."

When compared with standard hand drying methods, each Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer can save NHS trusts up to £2,000 a year in operating costs.

"The Airblade has been introduced on a trial basis in response to customer interest," said Chris. "It is a welcome addition to our range of products aimed at helping NHS customers combat the threat of HCAIs."

Source
NHS Supply Chain

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