Stepping up hand hygiene with Gradus SureContact
Antimicrobial handrail finish designed to improve hygiene in healthcare applications
Contract interiors specialist, Gradus, has launched SureContact, a new antimicrobial handrail finish designed to improve hygiene in healthcare applications.
Available as an optional extra on selected Gradus Handrails, Combi-rails and Dual Rail, the permanently-protective antimicrobial finish contains Sanitized Zinc Pyrithione technology. This active biocidal substance helps to reduce microorganisms, inhibiting microbe cell mutation and preventing the spread of healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs).
Stepping up hand hygiene in healthcare settings has been one of the methods applied in efforts to reduce HCAIs. However, research shows that contaminated surfaces may play a role in HCAI transmission; meaning hand hygiene and cleaning protocols alone may not be enough to reduce contamination of high-touch surfaces, like handrails.
Non-leaching and stain resistant, SureContact improves hygiene between cleaning cycles and reduces the need for harsh bleach cleaning solutions, helping to promote a safer healthcare environment.
Lynette Bowden, product manager for Gradus, said: “Hand washing compliance rates in the healthcare sector are currently unacceptable, and research shows 80% of infections are spread by dirty hands. As a result three million cases of HCAI occur annually, with healthcare costs running into billions of pounds per annum, so more needs to be done to prevent the transmission of HCAIs.
“SureContact supports cleaner healthcare environments by providing a sanitised, moisture resistant handrail surface that reduces the spread of bacteria and infections, helping to improve hygiene and safety for patients and staff.”
