Brian Waligora, CEO of Surfaceskins, discusses the revolutionary new product which is winning the battle against infection…
1. How did Surfaceskins get started?
Initially Surfaceskins were developed to address the issue of germ transmission between door users as the inventors noted people adopting many strategies to avoid touching dirty door handles when leaving public wash-rooms. Research showed that touch and dirty doors played a significant role in germ contamination and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) in clinical settings. The current Surfaceskins were designed by a Professor of Technical Textiles with input from a Professor of Infection Control to provide a self-sterilising surface that removes the need to touch contaminated door surfaces and helps reduce the number of HAIs experienced by at-risks groups. SurfaceSkins ensure that washed hands stay clean and anyone touching a door with a germ-laden hand does not contaminate subsequent door users.
2. Where can the product be found in use today?
Following successful validation trials in NHS Laboratories, Surfaceskins’ launch has resulted in global interest with distribution requests and orders as far afield as Australia and Peru. Closer to home we are in discussions with several corporations who are keen to promote the product within the UK.
Trials to confirm that Surfaceskins also promote better hand hygiene compliance by increasing hand washing and higher use of hand gel dispensers are currently taking place.
3. What makes SurfaceSkin so invaluable to healthcare premises?
HAIs are a concern for healthcare premises and it is widely believed that germ transmission via contact with dirty doors is a significant contributor to these infectious episodes, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, ill or newborns. Surfaceskins are innovative door pushpads and pullhandles which have been designed and proven to kill deposited germs in seconds to protect each and every door user and help break the contamination chain.
Surfaceskins also have the ability to convey high-profile messaging which can be used to encourage greater hand hygiene compliance practices such as hand-washing or use of alcohol gel dispensers.
By helping to reduce the occurrence of HAIs in healthcare premises Surfaceskins address a serious concern and can reduce associated financial and reputational costs.
4. How much does SurfaceSkin cost per unit and how often does the product need replenishing/replacing?
Surfaceskins provide protection for 1,000 activations which is sufficient for seven days in most care-homes and hospital wards. The cost of Surfaceskins is £4.95 each which for an average carehome, wishing to protect three washrooms and a food preparation area, equates to a total monthly cost of under £25.
For hospital wards, with average usage and a discount for contract purchasing, the price would be less than £100 per month.
The ability to print on Surfaceskins provides an ambient media opportunity for healthcare messaging or income generating advertisements which can offset the cost of the product.
