Long term protection
August 1st 2004

The problem of maintaining high degrees of protection against micro-organisms may receive a boost through the incorporation of Bio-Cotes propriety surface treatments BioCote can offer added value to manufactured products via their technology partnerships covering enhanced surface hygiene providing full 24.365 protection against the growth and proliferation of food pathogens, bacteria and other disease causing micro-organisms. From unsightly mould growths in showers, to cross contaminations from poor commercial food preparation areas and laboratories through to the growing number of hospital associated infections, all these potential dangers can be reduced or eliminated by the silent sentinel of long term hygienic protection from BioCote proprietary surface treatments.

A range of anti-microbial hygienic solutions are available solely through BioCote, which can be incorporated into the surface finish of products to inhibit the growth of potentially harmful micro-organisms (including the antibiotic resistant MRSA) in areas of contamination and health risk. The BioCote portfolio comprises a complete range of products to provide the added value features of long-term anti-microbial protection to meet growing market needs. These include patent protected finishes which can be applied to wood, metal and even ceramic surfaces using the conventional heat-cured powder coating process.

This provides a hard-wearing and durable paint finish which can be applied in a very wide range of colours and is very easy to clean. GRP products in sheet or moulded form can also be supplied with an external gel-coat incorporating the BioCote protective treatment, making them ideal for use in washrooms and shower cubicles to inhibit mould growth and so on. A BioCote polymer additive is also available for inclusion in formulations for the production of moulded or extruded plastic products.

The BioCote agent incorporated during the various manufacturing processes is present and active for the life of the product or material. The protection provided will remain as long as the surface coating has not been breached i.e. scratched, chipped or broken. The active ingredient is an excellent antimicrobial, with high efficacy against microbes, but low toxicity against non-target organisms. However, it does not operate in the same way as an antibiotic, so the potential for generating resistant strains of organisms is greatly reduced if not eliminated. This ensures that the highest safety levels are maintained, with the potential for spreading contamination and infection through manual contact being minimised. This active agent is slowly released from a surface inorganic

matrix via an ion-exchange mechanism. The rate of release is slow, but just

fast enough to maintain an effective concentration at and near the surface

to the material, sufficient to inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and fungi.

BioCote technology has been adopted in partnership by a growing number of manufacturing companies, supplying domestic, commercial and industrial equipment. These products are claimed to provide the highest level of surface protection currently available. All BioCote partners are market leaders within their respective sectors and provide a diverse range of equipment including ironmongery door furniture, showering systems, autoclaves, hospital beds, nurse call and truncation systems, waste material sack holders together with GRP wall tiling.

Sidhil Awarded Five Year Hospital Bed Contract Halifax based healthcare equipment specialist Sidhil has won a major contract from Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust for the supply of some 900 electric profiling beds over a period of five years, in line with the Trusts plan to upgrade its entire bed stock by 2008.

The bed selected by Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust is Sidhils Independence Versa, which has been designed specifically to meet the specifications of the contract. Developed from Sidhils successful Independence electric profiling bed, the Versa also features active seat positioning a new development from Sidhils design team, aimed at preventing bedsores and increasing patient comfort.

In addition, working to reduce the possibility of cross-infection which is of prime concern within the healthcare industry all beds supplied will be delivered complete with a BioCote powder coating finish. Based on a natural biocide, BioCote inhibits the growth of micro-organisms on the surface by preventing cells from reproducing. This, when used in conjunction with normal hygiene practices, can help reduce the risk of potentially harmful cross-contamination in the medical environment.

Alongside the hospital bed contract, Sidhil has also won a contract from the same Trust for the supply of community beds, illustrating the Trusts modern approach to healthcare management, linking both community and acute care.

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