Baptist Health Paducah employs latest technology, more frequent disinfecting to ensure safety
Baptist Health is using enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures, including some of the latest virus- and bacteria-killing technology, to help ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff.
(Paducah, Ky.) May 28, 2020 — Baptist Health is using enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures, including some of the latest virus- and bacteria-killing technology, to help ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff.
By next month, all Baptist Health hospitals will be equipped with two tools that provide the latest technological advances in disinfecting: The Clorox Total 360 Electrostatic Sprayer System and the Clorox Optimum-UV Enlight system.
High-tech sanitizing
The Clorox Total 360 system is a high-level electrostatic spraying unit that dispenses disinfectant to provide 360-degree coverage of every surface within a room or area.
The system kills 99.9% of bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as cold and flu viruses along with SARS-CoV-2, the strain of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
A more advanced disinfectant designed for use with the system will be available by mid-June. Baptist Health plans to use the new disinfectant, which will carry an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for its ability to kill the superbug Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
UV light energy
Baptist Health Paducah has been using ultraviolet light (UV-C) to disinfect since 2016. The new Clorox Optimum-UV Enlight system delivers a programmed dose of short-wavelength UV-C to kill pathogens such as C. diff, MRSA and SARS-CoV-2.
After a patient has been discharged from the hospital, an Environmental Services staff member positions the Optimum-UV Enlight system in the room, leaves the room shutting the door, and then activates the system via an iPad. A typical hospital patient room takes three 5-minute sessions to fully disinfect, with the staff member changing positions of the system after each 5-minute session.
Optimum-UV Enlight is able to compensate for room variables such as size, shape and contents to deliver the precise, lethal dose of UV energy needed.
Frequency increased
Baptist Health also has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in its hospitals as well as in its outpatient centers, Urgent Care clinics and Baptist Health Medical Group offices. All cleaning and disinfectant products being used have been deemed COVID-19 compliant by the EPA.
The system is also adhering to heightened Food and Drug Administration protocols for food services in hospitals, all of which require more frequent and labor-intensive cleaning and disinfecting efforts.
Here to stay
While the enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures have been put in place in the wake of the current coronavirus outbreak, the protocols are likely to stay, said Rich Thomason, system executive director, Hospitality Services.
“We are dedicated to making sure that we’re providing the safest possible environment for everyone who enters our doors,” Thomason said.