Reducing Waterborne Infections in Healthcare Environments

Waterborne infections are something most site managers [MS1]  will be aware of, with checks routinely carried out to mitigate the risk of Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. However, a growing body of evidence has led to an increased risk of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTMs) as an increasingly dangerous waterborne pathogen. 

NTMs are particularly dangerous for patients and visitors to healthcare facilities, especially if they are immunocompromised, infants, elderly, or anyone undergoing heart surgery, transplants or living with cystic fibrosis. For these people, NTMs could cause pulmonary, central nervous system, and soft tissue infections.

So what does this new threat of NTMs mean?

Site managers in the clinical and healthcare settings are becoming increasingly scrupulous in making sure new refurbishments and new-build facilitates have features in place that help mitigate these risks. As well as routine checks and servicing already carried out for things like Legionella, there is a move to fixtures that help with infection prevention and control too. 

Our biggest issue in the healthcare environment is dead water, bacteria-friendly water temperatures, and the production of biofilm, which is how NTMs can develop and spread. A particular site of concern is the shower due to NTMs showing high risk of contraction through inhalation - which can happen during and post showering.

A unit to reduce the risk of NTMs

The Markwik 21+ Shower Panel with Thermostatic Mixer Valve is a strong move in infection prevention and control (IPC). The range has been designed to specifically reduce microbial growth by using an increased amount of antimicrobial brass in it’s build. The item is also made using narrow bore water pipes. This increases the velocity of the water passing through it, which means it has less opportunity to stick to the sides and create a biofilm, which is where waterborne bacteria can build. 

The thermostat is also located very close to the outlet on these shower panels, which means you get more accuracy in the water temperature being delivered, and less likelihood of bacteria-friendly temperatures in the pipework.