Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside.
THE CHALLENGE
Ninewells Hospital is a large teaching hospital, based on the western edge of Dundee, Scotland, part of NHS Tayside. It is internationally renowned for introducing laparoscopic surgery to the UK as well as being a leading centre in developing fields.
In 2019 Ninewells Hospital began looking for a new solution to high-level disinfect (HLD) ultrasound probes. The hospital previously used HLD single-use wipes and wanted to make a switch to a product that would improve the safety of staff and patients alike, improve levels of staff productivity and help the hospital to achieve sustainability targets.
“Our commitment to delivering gold-standard care to our patients has remained constant over the past 4 years, as evidenced by our continued adoption of best practices. With a team of over 35 staff members using our trophon®2 devices, we perform approximately 110 high-level disinfection cycles each week on our vaginal and abdominal probes within gynaecology, early pregnancy, and outpatient departments.“
THE SOLUTION – ADOPTING BEST PRACTICE
By upgrading from manual wipes to the Nanosonics automated trophon®2 system to high-level disinfect ultrasound probes, the hospital would see a number of significant benefits.
The enclosed nature of the trophon®2 machine means that employees would be better protected with improved safety precautions, while the automated process would increase staff productivity by reducing the amount of hands-on time required. This, in turn, would enable operators to carry out other tasks while the high-level disinfection cycle is running, unlike the hands-on manual wipe process.
The unique automated process of the trophon®2 device converts hydrogen peroxide into tiny mist particles that can penetrate even the tiniest imperfections on the probe surface, providing superior disinfection efficacy, every time, ensuring patients are protected from cross-contamination risks.
THE OUTCOME
Six trophon®2 devices were installed at Ninewells Hospital across gynaecology, early pregnancy, and outpatient departments. Since implementing trophon®2, Ninewells Hospital has experienced a wide range of benefits across the board, including:
Improved patient and employee experience - The automated process requires minimal hands-on time - giving operators time back to spend with patients.
Safety benefits - The machine is fully enclosed, and operators no longer have direct contact with any chemicals.
Reliability - Since implementing trophon®2 the hospital has had peace of mind that efficacy is achieved with every cycle.
Probe care - Since implementing a standardised probe reprocessing process and following manufacturer advice to put in place an adequate and compatible cleaning step the hospital has never experienced any probe compatibility issues.
Sustainability advantages - Ninewells has seen circa 80% reduction in clinical waste volumes since switching to trophon.
Cost savings - Approx. £2,000 cost savings compared to the previous manual single-use wipe process.
Ongoing support - As part of the package, Nanosonics provide ongoing servicing and have a team of clinical experts on hand to provide regular face-to-face and virtual training. In addition to offering complimentary invites to expert-led study days and workshops.
“Overall, the trophon device’s excellent functionality, user-friendliness, and waste reduction and cost benefits have been invaluable to our facility.”
RECOMMENDATION
Lorna Donald, Charge Nurse, Gynaecology Assessment Unit, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, recommends trophon®2 to others as it is:
“easy to use and cost-effective, it’s an excellent investment for any hospital”
