LANCASTER — Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) has a new weapon against germs— the Surfacide® Helios™ Disinfection System.
It is the second hospital in California to strengthen its infection-prevention efforts using Surfacide’s ultra-violet (UV-C) light energy, an evidence-based method of controlling microorganisms.
“Patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities at Antelope Valley Hospital, and this includes ensuring that every patient room is as sanitized as it can be,” stated AVH CEO Dennis Knox. “This amazing technology is just one more way we are putting patients first and offering the best and safest care possible.”
Surfacide’s Helios UV-C disinfection system is comprised of three mobile emitters that deliver ultra-violet light energy to all hard surfaces in the patient environment. In less than 30 minutes, the three towers can destroy infection-causing multi-drug resistant organisms, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), C-diff (Clostridium difficile), bacteria and spores.
Utilizing this system between patients means a cleaner and safer environment for patients and hospital personnel.
“Multi-drug resistant organisms have long been a formidable foe in health care environments,” noted Knox. “Last year the AVH team was recognized for our success in reducing healthcare-associated infections, but we’re always looking for ways to improve. This ground-breaking technology provides an added layer of protection for our patients, which is exactly why we’re using it.”
While UV light has been used effectively in controlling microorganisms in the past, the challenge has been finding a delivery system that was advanced enough to be both effective and efficient. The Surfacide Helios system utilizes three separate UV emitters that work together to treat a large space and eliminate shadowed areas.
The system also includes a validation component using proprietary laser mapping technology, which results in a more intense level of energy being delivered to every surface, in less time and with confirmation.
“We are confident that this technology soon will become the standard of care in health care facilities nationwide,” stated Gunner Lyslo, Surfacide chief executive officer. “It is commendable that Antelope Valley Hospital chose to make this important investment in patient safety early on – leading the way for other health care facilities in California to follow suit.”
[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]
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Tom says
Mike C ask way would anyone invest 200 million in this armpit of a town. Mike for a person or group to have 200 million to invest its probably because they are smarter then you and they know what you know not. To invest 200 million means Research and Development along with others business analysis came into play. Always remember Palmdale is only 59min away from the #1 or 2 cities in America.
J says
Awesome. Kill those germs!
Allen S. says
the UV lighting system at AVH has only been in use for one month. And the system will help the EVS staff of AVH even better to help protect patients, visitors and staff from becoming ill from a HAI. And remember your best protection from getting sick is wash your hands.