Background
Environmental contamination contributes significantly to the transmission of hospital‑acquired infections (HAIs). Rooms vacated by patients with multi‑drug‑resistant organisms require high‑level environmental decontamination prior to re‑occupation to minimise infection risk.
Intervention
Prior to the introduction of ultraviolet‑C (UVC) environmental cleaning technology, rooms requiring high‑level decontamination were cleaned using hydrogen peroxide misting (Deprox™), with turnaround times of approximately four to five hours. This frequently delayed patient transfers from the Emergency Department and Acute Dependency Unit, contributing to admission pressure during peak demand periods. UVC technology was implemented as an adjunct to existing cleaning methods to reduce turnaround time while maintaining infection prevention standards.
Results
Following implementation, room decontamination times were reduced to approximately two to three hours. This improvement enabled more timely transfer of patients to inpatient ward beds, supporting improved patient flow and bed availability.
Discussion
An interchangeable cleaning model was adopted, with close collaboration between the Infection Prevention team and operational managers. While UVC technology improved efficiency, Deprox™ remains a vital component of environmental and equipment decontamination, particularly as hydrogen peroxide technology mitigates shadowing, a known limitation of UVC systems.
Conclusion
The adjunctive use of UVC environmental cleaning has enhanced operational efficiency, improved patient flow, and supported a positive patient experience while maintaining high standards of infection prevention.