HEALTHCARE SPOTLIGHT: New Disinfecting Robot Makes the Rounds at Health First’s Four Brevard Hospitals

UV-C technology helps sanitize rooms

UV-C technology helps sanitize rooms, according to studies. New tool gives Environmental Services professionals power to add peace of mind to hospital patients’ stay.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Cleanliness is on everyone’s minds these days, especially in healthcare.

While Health First’s four hospitals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by Environmental Services (EVS) staff, Brevard’s community healthcare system wants to do even more by adding a Tru-D SmartUVC robot, a remote-controlled machine that sterilizes rooms with UV-C light for even more patient protection.

“Health First has invested in this disinfection system to add an additional level of cleaning and safety for our patients,” said Denise Koncelik, Health First’s Director of Infection Control. “We want our patients to know that we are serious about their safety, and while they are here in our hospitals, they will not need to worry about anything – except getting back to their normal state of wellness.”

After a room is disinfected, an information card about the machine tells patients how the UV-C treatment is a higher level of cleaning. The new technology also adds to Health First associates’ safety. “We want to make sure our staff is going home as safe as when they arrived. It is important everyone feels safe entering our hospitals.” Denise said.

Hospital rooms using the Tru-D system are disinfected up to 30% more after 12 to 45 minutes depending on its size, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The UV-C light is a little less stronger than the UV-A and -B ultraviolet rays from the sun, getting rid of most germ cells while preventing future growth.

■ The robot is wheeled into the room and set up by an EVS team member. The team member leaves the room and ensures the door is fully closed. EVS programs the robot to begin and it takes a measurement of the area of the room, the types of surfaces and other measurements.

■ Once the level of UV-C in the room reaches the same level that the robot had calculated, the robot will automatically shut off. The team member is notified that the cleaning cycle is complete and it is safe to enter the room.

Tru-D will never take the place of the great work by the EVS staff’s regular cleaning. It’s just another level of protection for the room.

At Health First, we know how important friends and family are for the recovery of our patients. Whether you’re coming to the hospital to visit a loved one or as a patient, staying informed and knowing what to expect can help make your stay a smooth and comfortable one. To stay up to date on our safety precautions and COVID-19 information, visit HF.org/staywell.

Similar Stories