Five in one wipe helps Blackpool deal fatal blow to C. diff
Deal fatal blow to C. diff
Louise Johnson, Infection Prevention & Control Nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital cleans a patient's bedside locker with Tuffie 5
A new 'five in one' wipe that eradicates the five major groups of pathogens, including C. diff, MRSA, E.coli and Swine Flu, is helping Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to succeed in its fight against infection.
The Trust has introduced many hard-hitting measures to enable staff to achieve the required significant reductions in levels of C.diff, and the adoption of Vernacare's new Tuffie 5 wipe across the Trust's five sites is an important part of the initiatives.
Tuffie 5 was trialled on five wards at the Blackpool Victoria acute hospital where it proved to be highly effective in commode cleaning.
Said Johanne Lickiss, Nurse Consultant Infection Control: "The aim was to standardise cleaning products throughout the Trust. Until Tuffie 5 wipes were introduced, nursing staff cleaned commodes with neutral purpose detergent and water followed by a chlorine-based product. Staff really liked the Tuffie 5 wipe as it is so much quicker and easier to use than having to make up solutions each time. On busy wards this is an important advantage and means that commode cleaning is likely to get done properly".
"In combination with a range of other initiatives, such as our C.diff alert system, rigorous hand washing procedures, weekly commode audits, and a restrictive antibiotic formulary, the Trust is beginning to see a reduction in C. diff levels. We have also been using Vernacare's Indicator tape, which is placed around equipment after cleaning and signed to prove that thorough cleaning has taken place. Weekly commode audits are conducted to monitor compliance with cleaning and using the Verncare Indicator tape".
Independent laboratory tests have recently certified the new generation wipe effective against the H1N1 (swine flu) virus to EN14476 standard. Tuffie 5 is also scientifically proven to destroy Norovirus, C. diff, and MRSA - certified effective against five major groups of pathogens (spores, bacteria, mycobacteria, yeasts and fungi and viruses).
Results show the product is significantly safer and more effective than existing alcohol based products and independent tests back up these claims. All pathogens tested have been reduced by Log 4 or greater against BSEN standards, meaning 99.99% of bacteria, including C.Diff, have been destroyed
Tuffie 5 is a highly effective pre-impregnated wet wipe, capable of cleaning and disinfecting all hard surfaces and equipment. The wipes are fragrance, chlorine and alcohol free, and are cosmetically approved to EU standards as skin safe. As such, they are a non-hazardous and environmentally friendly, with no health and safety risks. Tuffie 5 eradicates pathogens on initial impact, but industry tests show that its disinfecting properties continue to work after cleaning has taken place.
For a free sample tub of Tuffie 5, or further information contact the customer care team on 01204 555999, or email vcorders@vernagroup.com
