Facility cleanliness is the foundation of infection prevention (IP). We have assembled a dedicated Sun Mar Environmental Strike Team. This team will assist and ensure that all facilities conduct thorough and consistent deep cleaning on a routine basis, including the application of a new weapon in our IP arsenal: Shield, a CDC-approved, invisible surface coating that prevents pathogens from existing on surfaces for at least 90 days. Places like the Pentagon, the Mayo Clinic, and other leading institutions have been using it safely and effectively, and now it’s our turn. The leader of this team is a COVID survivor with a passion for this project! He understands his job is to save lives.
We were recently invited to participate in the first research study with the University of CA Irvine on infection prevention, examining healthcare worker hygiene habits. We subsequently created a new Regional Clinical Operator, who will guide and direct the infection prevention clinicians that we already have in position.
We are proud of our affiliation with a leading infectious disease expert to advise us during this pandemic: Dr. James A. McKinnell from Expert Stewardship. He has published over 40 papers, many focusing on optimal uses of antibiotics and how we can better understand antimicrobial resistance in our communities. Dr. McKinnell has worked with skilled nursing facilities in Los Angeles and Orange County on practical strategies of infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
We are determined to invest in any weapons that will help us in this war, including the brand new Halosil—another CDC-approved application that is the most effective whole-room disinfection technology available on the market today. The device generates a fog of hydrogen peroxide and silver that permeates a space and kills microorganisms that exist there. This ensures comprehensive and uniform coverage for the entire room. Guests can be at peace knowing each room gets the “fog” treatment following every discharge and prior to any new admission.
Several years ago, we introduced a new technology into our laundering practice called LUX, which uses hydroxyls, ozone, and peroxide in a way that is 500 times more powerful than hot water and bleach. As powerful as it is, it naturally dissipates back into pure oxygen in seven minutes during the wash cycle. It’s an FDA-approved sanitizer and USDA-certified organic.
We will continue to work with some manufacturers on unique products that use UV and white light “kill boxes” that circulate ambient air through fan fixtures, purifying air on a continuous basis.
Lastly, the newly adopted DocuSign will allow us to quickly and conveniently execute the admission forms, signatures, and notes. Say goodbye to clipboards and hello to a more improved and convenient admission process.