E6 Chilled only dispenser with IPC built in, provides confidently clean, filtered drinking water for patient-centred care.
Water is fundamental to life and essential to recovery and well-being. From a simple glass of water to aid that regular pill intake, to providing that all-important first sip of water post-surgery, IPC around the provision of safe and clean water plays a crucial role in the recovery of patients and the well-being of staff. However, recent years have seen many water coolers being removed from healthcare facilities due to risks around hygiene and infection control, with life-threatening waterborne pathogens such as Legionella and pseudomonas, posing a great risk.
For patients with low immune systems, healthcare organisations have a responsibility to understand the risks that can be associated with drinking water. How clean is the tap water and is it free from bacterial and viral risk? Is the water stored in a reservoir or bottled cooler where it can harbour bacteria and other harmful pathogens? Is there a risk from touch transmission to access drinking water? All of these aspects can compromise patients’ health and safety, simply by sipping water.
The issues around IPC are highlighted by the fact that the NHS has recently released a new technical bulletin (NETB No.2024/3) focusing on ‘Designing safe spaces for patients at high risk of infection from waterborne pathogens’, which includes the provision of drinking water.
Borg & Overström, leading manufacturers of drinking water dispensers for over 20 years, offer a complete approach to hygienic water solutions through their comprehensive range of water dispensers and integrated tap systems. Every Borg & Overström dispenser features a superior tankless DryChill® cooling system and a comprehensive Totality® hygiene methodology for confidently clean water, however, it is the E6 Chilled only that has been specifically designed for the NHS water requirements.
From T3 4-in-1 hot taps installed in nursing stations and elegant E7 coolers with hygienic SensorBeam® touch-free operation adorning wating rooms, to specialised E6 Chilled only coolers being placed on wards, Borg & Overström refill points are becoming a welcome addition to many hospitals, including Kings College Hospital, London and Maidstone Hospital, Kent. Each dispenser offers access to a vital resource, ensuring clean, safe water for those who need it.
E6 Drinking water dispenser, designed for patient safety
The E6 Chilled only drinking water dispenser was specifically designed by Borg & Overström to address IPC concerns, enabling facilities to provide clean water, even in communal areas where infection control is high. Designed to address risks associated with stored water where bacteria can harbour, the E6 Chilled only features a shortened, single water pathway and efficient, airless, reservoir-free DryChill® rapid cooling technology, for a minimal wetted area.
To guard against waterborne pathogens, integrated, eco-efficient Viovandt® enhanced UV-C purification technology sterilises inbound water to control against the spread of HCAIs. The ultraviolet LED technology provides safe, chemical-free sterilisation, through low-power UV-LEDs with maximum germicidal efficacy, to render bio-contaminants, superbugs and viruses inactive, protecting against waterborne infection transmission. In addition 3M Carbonless 0.2 micron filtration, maintains optimal chlorine levels for efficient disinfection, whilst effectively removing sediment, particulates and microplastics which may be present in the water.
The risk of touch transmission is high in healthcare settings, but hygienic SensorBeam® projection mapping technology offers a completely contact-free way of dispensing water, eliminating this risk. Operated by foot and with no buttons or pedals to clean or maintain, it is ideal for hygiene confidence in communal areas where infection control is paramount. Combined, with silver-ion anti-microbial protection on the control panel, the E6 Chilled only addresses the risk of touch transmissions of germs at every opportunity.
Independent testing in hospital environments with Envirocloud water consultants, has shown that the E6 Chilled only with its unique design, effectively guards against Legionella, with no Legionella shown as present in the water dispensed from the tested units, even when indicated as present in the incoming water supply.
Reducing carbon footprint and saving on energy costs
With many trusts targeted with reducing their carbon footprint, whilst maintaining IPC levels, Borg & Overström dispensers can help take steps towards this goal. Every dispenser eliminates around 36,000 plastic bottles from entering landfill, whilst EcoMode energy-saving technology has been independently tested and proved to save around 92% of energy when compared to a normal dispenser. This significant cost saving is simply achieved by only chilling water when people are around to use it, eliminating unnecessary cooling at night or out of hours.
By simply changing how you provide water, hospitals and healthcare settings can reduce their energy costs, lower their carbon footprint and enable safe access to a vital resource that we all need. Talk to a Borg & Overstrom water specialist today to find out more about drinking water solutions for healthcare environments.
Visit www.borgandoverstrom.com for more information.
Author
Sally Laurie
Marketing Manager – Borg & Overström