Jul 29 2016
Norman Regional Health System has four new team members who will help keep patients safe by disinfecting hospital surfaces – and they’ll do it all without hands! It’s the Essentia Health first health system in Norman toutilize Xenex Germ-Zapping Robots™, which have been credited by other healthcare facilities across the U.S. for helping them reduce their infection rates.
Norman Regional has four new pulsed xenon ultraviolet (UV) disinfection robots that will enhance patient safety by destroying the microorganisms that cause hospital acquired Infections (HAIs). These robots use UV light technology to quickly disinfect an enclosed space. The Germ-Zapping Robots emit a blast of UV light that kills bacteria and viruses in minutes within an enclosed area. Depending on the size of the room, the Xenex robots can disinfect in just 5-10 minutes. The germicidal UV light disinfects a variety of areas and surfaces including bedrails, tray tables, machines, monitors, keyboards and computers.
“The Xenex LightStrike™ no-touch disinfection system uses pulses of full spectrum UV light to fuse the DNA of organisms. Once the organism’s DNA is fused it can no longer replicate or mutate, and is no longer infectious,” said Clyde Brawner, Director of Environmental Services at Norman Regional Health System.
Two robots will be stationed at Norman Regional Hospital and two will be at the Norman Regional HealthPlex. After a housekeeper has completed the process of cleaning a room which includes removing trash and wiping surfaces with a disinfectant, the robot will be wheeled into the room to begin its work. The robot uses intense bursts of UV light to disinfect high-touch areas in patient rooms and operating room suites. It can also be used to disinfect other areas such as utility closets, waiting rooms and more.
“The UV robots are another way that Norman Regional is making patient safety a priority,” said Darin Smith, Pharm.D., Vice President of Quality and Performance Improvement. “It’s both important and necessary to have multiple methods of effective disinfection in our arsenal to protect patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.”
About Xenex Disinfection Services
Xenex's patented Full Spectrum™ pulsed xenon UV room disinfection system is used for the advanced disinfection of healthcare facilities. Due to its speed and ease of use, the Xenex system has proven to integrate smoothly into hospital existing disinfection operations. Xenex’s mission is to save lives and reduce suffering by eliminating microorganisms that cause hospital acquired infections. The company is backed by well-known investors that include Malin Corporation, Battery Ventures, Targeted Technology Fund II and RK Ventures. For more information, visit Xenex.com.
About Norman Regional Health System
Norman Regional Health System is a multi-campus system that serves the healthcare needs of south central Oklahoma. It is currently comprised of an acute-care facility, Norman Regional, on Porter Avenue, and the Norman Regional HealthPlex. Norman Regional Hospital is licensed for 324 beds and offers a full range of services including emergency care, oncology, an intensive care unit, surgery and more. The Norman Regional HealthPlex campus is licensed for 136 beds and features the services of cardiovascular, spine and orthopedics, women’s and children’s and more. The Norman Regional HealthPlex is also the home of the Chest Pain Center and the HealthPlex Heart Hospital. In 2016, the Health System opened its newest facility in Moore, Oklahoma. This new facility named Norman Regional Moore houses an Emergency Room and outpatient services.
Norman Regional Health System also provides outpatient diagnostic centers, medical transport services, physician services, Centers of Excellence, durable medical equipment supplies, a primary care network, community wellness service and employer health services. It has grown to employ more than 2,700 people and have 356 physicians credentialed on the Medical Staff.