Frequently-touched surfaces can be a vector of infection in healthcare environments, so hospitals worldwide are installing surfaces made from copper and copper alloys that benefit from the metal’s inherent antimicrobial activity.
Independent clinical trials have shown these ‘Antimicrobial Copper’ items harbour >90% less contamination than equivalent, non-copper items and can reduce infections in ICUs by 58%. Information on these trials can be obtained via the ANTIMICROBIAL COPPER stand, along with details of the YHEC business model for calculating return on investment when installing antimicrobial copper touch surfaces. Experts will be available to answer questions and co-exhibitors PEGLER YORKSHIRE and CONVEX will be displaying samples of products currently on the market, including those that resemble stainless steel in appearance. A presentation by Professor Tom Elliott, consultant microbiologist and deputy medical director at University Hospitals Birmingham, on Tuesday 1 October (Session 29, 09:05) will address the question: Can the use of copper help to prevent infection?
