Strip Curtains Direct provide antimicrobial PVC curtains to St Thomas Hospital, London

At the time of writing this post, more than 150,00 people have been tested for coronavirus in the UK, with 55,242 confirmed cases and 6159 deaths (8 April 2020).  Since it was first identified as a new coronavirus strain in patients in the city of Wuhan, China in December last year, COVID-19 has quickly spread around the globe. 

The UK government has asked up to do various things to protect ourselves from the virus and also to slow its spread, and the main ways to do this are regularly washing our hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues.

Obviously, the NHS has taken the lead on this pandemic, with ‘pods’ being quickly established so that people who suspect they have been exposed to the virus can be isolated for testing. However, the NHS is increasingly under strain as not only are they having to test those who are concerned, but also treat those who are ill as well.

As Coronavirus is classed as an infectious agent, the NHS has to undertake transmission-based precautions (TBPs) in order to prevent cross-transmission of the infectious agent. The three main ways that the infectious agent, in this case, coronavirus, can be spread are:

• Contact - direct or indirect contact from the immediate care environment (including care equipment)
• Droplets - Droplets from the respiratory tract of one individual entering the mucosal surface or conjunctivae of another individual. Although the maximum distance for cross-transmission for coronavirus has not been definitely determined, a precautionary approach of 2 metres has been defined.
• Airborne - If an aerosol-generating procedure is being carried out in a hospital setting then again droplets can pass from the respiratory tract of one individual directly onto the mucosal surface of conjunctiva of another individual

Here at Strip Curtains Direct, we are in awe of the hard work that everyone in the NHS is undertaking to control and prevent the spread of Coronavirus - often at the risk of their own health and that of their families.  That is why we are delighted to have recently been asked to supply our antimicrobial PVC strip curtains to St Thomas’ Hospital in London (part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust).

Our antimicrobial PVC strip curtains have been manufactured in collaboration with SteriTouch Ltd and Vinyl Compounds Ltd to ensure they are fit for purpose.  The addition of the SteriTouch antimicrobial technology to the strip means that each strip contains additives that will actively kill bacteria as well as those that prevent the growth of biofilm, mould and fungi.  At a time when hygiene is of the utmost importance, you can see how these hygiene control strips can help.

These PVC strips have been made from the same PVC material as our polar grade kits so they are able to withstand temperatures from minus 55c to plus 25c. So, not only will they kill bacteria and prevent mould and fungi from growing, but act as effective temperature control and excellent barrier against noise and air pollution - perfect for the hospital setting.

If you would like to swap your existing PVC strip for our antimicrobial strips, then we are currently offering 10% on our antimicrobial strip curtains until April 30, 2020, at 11:59 pm (GMT). This offer is only available while supplies last, and cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.

To find out more about our antimicrobial strips or any of our other products designed to combat the spread of COVID-19 please call us on 0333 999 7171 or email us at info@stripcurtainsdirect.co.uk