Proactive Infection Control: How MaineHealth is Pioneering Safer Patient Showers
Hospital-acquired infections are a serious concern, and increasingly, healthcare facilities are focusing on often-overlooked sources – like shower systems. MaineHealth Maine Medical Center – Portland (MHMMC-P) is leading the charge in proactive infection control with a smart, preventative approach to patient shower safety, particularly within their newly constructed Malone Family Tower. This article details how MHMMC-P is minimizing the risk of waterborne pathogens like Legionella and enhancing patient care through innovative plumbing solutions.
The Hidden Risk in Hospital Showers
Traditional hospital shower setups, while functional, can inadvertently create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Standard practice frequently enough involved nursing assistants manually disconnecting shower hoses after each use to drain water. This process, while intended to reduce stagnation, introduces potential for contamination and adds to staff workload. MHMMC-P recognized this challenge and sought a more effective, sustainable solution.
A Multi-year Commitment to Patient Safety
As part of a multi-year growth plan culminating in the opening of the Malone Family Tower in mid-2024, MHMMC-P made a firm commitment to strengthening its infection control protocols. This commitment extended to a thorough review of all potential risk areas,including patient shower systems.
The Solution: Automated Drain Technology
MHMMC-P successfully implemented a phased upgrade, starting with retrofitting existing patient rooms with Chicago Faucets‘ shower hand spray hoses featuring an automatic drain valve. this valve automatically drains standing water after each shower,significantly reducing stagnant water – a key factor in Legionella growth.
The Malone Family Tower took this a step further, incorporating a complete, newly-introduced system in all 98 patient rooms. This system combines a valve drain, diverter valve, and shower hose designed to prevent water from lingering in pipes, valves, and hoses.
How the System Works & Key benefits
This innovative system automatically addresses the core issue of water stagnation. Here’s how it benefits both patients and staff:
Rapid Drainage: Drains standing water in the shower column (valve to showerhead) within one minute of shut-off.
Handheld Spray Drainage: Effectively drains the water column between the valve and the handheld spray.
Reduced Staff Burden: eliminates the need for staff to manually disconnect and dry shower hoses between patients.
Enhanced Hygiene: Ensures a consistently clean and hygienic showering experience.
assisted Bathing: Includes a hand spray with pause control,facilitating assisted bathing for patients.
Water Conservation: Offers choices of 2.5 GPM, 1.75 GPM,or 1.5 GPM flow rates for efficient water use.
Accessibility & Safety: Features ADA-compliant grab bars in various lengths.
Industry Compliance: Fully compliant with relevant standards including ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, ASSE 1014, ASSE 1016/ASME A112.1016/CSA B125.16, and ADA ANSI/ICC A117.1.
A Proven Track Record: MHMMC-P’s Experience
According to David mcduff, the system has performed flawlessly.”With plumbing fixtures, you typically see issues within the first few months.We’ve had no problems in almost a year of use.” This reliability underscores the system’s robust design and effective implementation.
Beyond Compliance: A Proactive Approach
While no regulations require hospitals to install these specific systems, MHMMC-P’s decision reflects a commitment to exceeding industry standards. “You don’t wont shower water sitting in the hose or in the pipes,” McDuff explains. this proactive stance demonstrates a dedication to patient safety that goes above and beyond the minimum requirements.
Investing in a Safer Future for Patients
MHMMC-P’s implementation of this shower drain system isn’t just about preventing Legionella; it’s about fostering a culture of safety and innovation. By prioritizing preventative measures, they’re minimizing the risk of hospital-acquired waterborne infections and delivering on their mission to provide the highest standard of patient care.
You deserve a safe and comfortable hospital stay. Your health and well-being are paramount, and facilities like MHMMC-P are demonstrating a commitment to protecting **you
