Reid Health Using Robots to Disinfect Patient Rooms

Richmond-based Reid Health is expanding its high-tech efforts to disinfect
its surgery and inpatient hospital rooms.

The health system has deployed three more robots that use ultraviolet light
to zap germs instead of using chemicals and cleaners.

The hospital says it first deployed the portable technology in 2017 to
reduce or eliminate the risk of infection.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic this year highlighting the importance of
infection control, we always ensure we have the best tools and technology at
our disposal,” said Jennifer Ehlers, vice president and chief quality
officer for the health system.

Ehlers says the first unit proved its value in reducing risk of infection,
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the system invested in three
more from Xenex, a Texas-based medical equipment manufacturer.

The company says the pulsed xenon UV light can disinfect a patient room in
about ten minutes.

The hospital says it also uses the technology to sterilize every room after
a COVID-19 patient is released.

Source: Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick