Enhancing the frontline fight against Superbugs:

REDDITCH, U.K. - Dec. 12, 2017 - PRLog -- Gainsborough Specialist Bathing integrates BioCote Antimicrobial Technology into all its manufactured powered baths so bathers are guaranteed a safer more pleasurable experience. Through established Silver Ion Antimicrobial Technology, BioCote is proven to provide 99.99%, 24/7 protection against an array of microbes including Influenza H1N1, E.coli, Salmonella and antibiotic resistant CPE, CRO, CRE, VRE and MRSA. This capability is reducing the potential for the spread of infection caused by microbes and improving care levels in hospitals and care homes.

It is proven, ecologically acceptable and sustainable but how does it work and what are the results?

A growing problem

Public Health England estimates that the Superbug phenomenon could result in 10 million extra worldwide deaths by 2050. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also estimates that ineffective infection control is resulting in an additional 16 million days of hospitalisation in Europe along with financial losses of €7 billion. CPEs such as Escherichia, Shigella and Salmonella have been evidenced to survive on surfaces for several months and pose a critical threat in hospitals and care homes where patients are particularly vulnerable. These organisms can lead to deadly infections such as Septicaemia and Pneumonia in some cases especially if service users are dependent on ventilators or blood catheters.

The built environment within the care sector exacerbates the problem with shared facilities and enclosed spaces. These act as breeding grounds for microbes which are spread easily through circulated air and communal surfaces. Hygiene routines with standard cleaning products are becoming increasingly ineffective at reducing bacteria populations as they become more resistant to disinfectants. Thorough regular hand washing and deep cleaning procedures are reducing cross contamination however multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria continue to develop. These are generating more CPE, CRO, CRE and VRE bacteria which are now branded as 'seriously emerging infectious diseases'. Reducing these Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI's) is a priority for care home and hospital managers – hence equipment with integrated BioCote Technology is being deployed throughout care environments. The latest Gainsborough height adjustable baths are part of this roll out.

Stopping the Superbug

The integration of BioCote during the manufacturing of Gainsborough baths ensures the technology cannot be wiped, washed or worn away. This provides superior antimicrobial protection with all treated components inhospitable to microbes so infectious bacteria cannot survive or multiply. Gainsborough introduced this technology into its baths, such as the Gentona, as increasing antibiotic resistance is a major issue in the long term and acute care sectors. BioCote is proven to decrease harmful microbes by up to 80% in 15 minutes with over 99% reductions achieved in just two hours.

Gainsborough baths include BioCote Silver Ion Antimicrobial Technology so microorganisms that cause illness or deteriorate products cannot survive on bathing surfaces. Through mechanical and chemical means BioCote has a multi-modal action that delivers proven protein and oxidative damage, membrane disruption and DNA interference to microbial cells. BioCote kills up to 99.99% of:

·       MRSA and ESBL-producing E. coli, Clostridium difficile, Klebsiella pneumoniae

·       Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae or CPE

·       Escherichia, Shigella and Salmonella

·       Fungi (including invasive Candida species like Candida auris)

·       Viruses such as H1N1 swine flu and H7N9 Avian flu

·       CRO, CRE and VRE

Protecting hospitals and care homes

BioCote provides a continuous decontaminating effect. This has been evidenced in the laboratory and during care environment trials over the past two decades. One such 18-month hospital trial, as first published in the Journal of Infection Prevention, set up to two test wards – 'Ward A' with BioCote treated products and 'Ward B' without. 'Ward A' demonstrated dramatic results – a 98% reduction in bacteria.

A similar test, published in Wound Care and the British Journal of Community Nursing, ran in a care home over a 5-month period. This study also produced impressive results. The total number of microorganisms recorded were 95% lower in a bedroom and bathroom including BioCote treated products when compared to a similar care unit with untreated equipment. This study reiterated the findings of the hospital test in that untreated surfaces benefit from close proximity to anti-microbial products ie. fewer bacteria were present. This suggests that the use of antimicrobial products, such as Gainsborough baths, in a hygiene conscious setting, will reduce the spread of pathogens.

Further laboratory studies in association with Birmingham University demonstrated that BioCote reduced antimicrobial action by 99.7% when testing against Pseudomonas aerugionosa. This disease-causing bacterium is particularly problematic in care homes and wards where service users have compromised immunity.

The procurement of Gainsborough baths is primarily to offer safe, dignified assisted bathing, not as a specification solution to combat superbugs or as an alternative to regular cleaning. Nevertheless, their inclusion in bathrooms provides a proven complementary strategy for better infection control.

Case Study: Kings Lodge Care Home, Camberley, Surrey

Opened in July 2017 Kings Lodge is a stunning 64-bed care home operated by Aura Care Living that provides luxurious and opulent accommodation. Offering a combination of high level residential and dementia care, Kings Lodge is a state-of-the-art facility styled on a European ski-lodge. This innovative building is championing a new concept in person-centred care – its selection of Gentona baths with BioCote is instrumental to this approach.

Lisa Strevens, Director of Service at Kings Lodge comments on why BioCote is a key asset: "The BioCote Antimicrobial Technology in the our new Gentona baths is important as it gives bathers and carers peace of mind. We have 24/7 protection against unwanted microbes and illnesses, hence enhancing our infection control. Subsequently residents are healthier so there is less pressure on care staff. Equally care team sickness is reduced so Kings Lodge can operate more effectively and our care provision is uncompromised."

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