Blackpool Teaching NHS FT (BTH) has utilised a high-tech robot for cleaning, which will replace the more traditional ‘floor scrubber’ machine. The technology is ideally suited to the large open areas in hospitals.
Staff at the trust have already successfully trialled three of the robots in other partner hospitals for just over a year. The trust’s own robot will start work in the next few weeks following a period of planning.
The use of the robot is expected to support the hospital’s cleaning team, enhancing the repetitive cleaning procedures in open spaces such as corridors. This is thought to then free up other team members, so they can focus on touch point and cross-infection hot-spots.
Yvonne Widdows, Deputy Director Facilities, BTH, said: “We saw the technology demonstrated and felt it was an excellent innovation.
“It will help replace what is traditionally a much larger piece of equipment, and assist the cleaning teams – between the team and the technology, the work is quicker and more effective.
“We’re expecting the robot to begin working within the next four weeks and we’re sure it will get a positive reaction from both staff and visitors to the site as they see it in operation.”
In order to put this technology in place, the trust teamed up with its cleaning and support services provider. A member of the cleaning and support services team will still monitor the robot carry, and out high and low-level cleaning as the robot scrubs the floor.
The technology integrates a scrubber dryer system, which usually uses 70% less water and less chemicals than traditional cleaning methods.
