Copper Development Association Names 2015 Patient Safety Challenge Winner

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Parkview Hospital Randallia is looking beyond the surface to reduce infections and keep its patients and staff safe. As winners of this year’s Patient Safety Challenge, the Fort Wayne, Indiana hospital will be working with the Copper Development Association to enhance infection control efforts by installing copper components in its facility. Antimicrobial copper has been scientifically proven to continuously kill 99.9 percent of deadly bacteria* such as MRSA and VRE within two hours in between routine cleanings.

“Parkview is beginning to transition from vertical to horizontal infection prevention strategies that help to further prevent risk of transmission regardless of the kind of infection. This includes an emphasis on hand-washing and self-decontaminating surfaces,” said Scott Stienecker, M.D., medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention, Parkview Regional Medical center & Affiliates. “Exploring the use of copper to replace existing components in frequently touched surfaces will help to enhance those strategies.”

Established in 1953, Parkview is a healthcare leader in Northeastern Indiana and one of eight hospitals in a regional nonprofit healthcare system. Parkview Hospital Randallia is undergoing a $55-million renovation, which will include copper door plates and handles, cabinet handles and other frequently touched surfaces.

The hospital plans to install the copper components strategically within specific areas of the hospital like the intensive care units. The durable products will provide powerful 24/7 antimicrobial protection.

For more information, visit www.antimicrobialcopper.com.

 *Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, antimicrobial copper surfaces kill greater than 99.9 percent of the following bacteria within two hours of exposure: MRSA, VRE, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli O157:H7. Antimicrobial copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices and have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infections; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices.