Author: Marketing Team

As we gear up for the IPS Conference 2024, taking place in Birmingham 23 – 25 September 2024, sustainability is taking centre stage.

MTP Innovations is thrilled to be part of this exciting event, showcasing how our cutting-edge DiffX™ cleaning solutions can help Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) professionals achieve their sustainability goals without compromising on effectiveness or safety.

You can find us at stand 22, where Mike Jepson and Elaine Randall will be available to discuss how we’re championing sustainability in healthcare cleaning and disinfection.

Mike Jepson, Managing Director, MTP Innovations, said: “We developed DiffX™ to provide a powerful, reliable solution that not only meets stringent infection control standards but also supports the broader goals of sustainability.

“Our products help reduce waste, conserve water, and extend equipment life, making them a perfect fit for today’s environmentally-conscious healthcare providers. I can’t wait to show conference delegates how DiffX™ can support their teams in cleaning and disinfecting more sustainably.”

Why sustainability matters in IPC

Sustainability has become a crucial part of healthcare, and the IPS 2024 programme reflects this growing focus. At MTP Innovations, we’re committed to helping healthcare providers reduce waste, conserve water, and extend the life of vital equipment – all while maintaining the highest standards of infection control.

We’re excited to attend the following sessions on Day 3 of the conference, which we think align closely with our mission:

• 11:30 to 12:05 (Hall 9, Session 22b): Can we improve healthcare decontamination without compromising IPC? – Dr James Price from Brighton & Sussex Medical School will explore how decontamination practices can evolve to meet sustainability goals.
• 12:50 to 13:25 (Hall 9, Session 24b): Collaboration of IPC and Sustainability: exemplar sites – Imogen Stringer from Great Ormond Street Hospital will share inspiring case studies of hospitals that are leading the way in sustainable IPC.

Make a difference with DiffX™

At MTP Innovations we believe that sustainability goes hand in hand with innovation. By choosing DiffX™, healthcare’s first Peracetic Acid (PAA) cleaning and disinfection solution, you’re not only enhancing infection control protocols but also supporting efforts to reduce environmental impact. Our solutions are designed to minimise waste and resource use, ensuring long-lasting results in clinical settings.

Elaine Randall, Business Development Manager, MTP Innovations, said: “The IPS Conference is such a vital event for bringing together innovative ideas in infection prevention. It’s exciting to see sustainability become a key focus, and I’m looking forward to discussing how DiffX™ can support hospitals in making more eco-conscious decisions without sacrificing performance.”

 Find us on stand 22

As a token of appreciation, we’re offering an easy opportunity to give back: for every person who signs up at our stand to learn more about how DiffX™ can support them, we’ll make a donation to Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. A charity founded in 2008 focused on reducing healthcare’s resource footprint. This is a simple way for us to join together in a small but meaningful way.

Stop by stand 22 to speak with Mike and Elaine and find out how DiffX™ can help you meet your sustainability and IPC goals.

In the battle against hospital-acquired infections, the choice of disinfectant can make a critical difference.

For years, chlorine-based disinfectants have been the go-to solution for many healthcare facilities. However, recent research has drawn attention to the inadequacy one of the main chlorine disinfectants – bleach – and its inability to kill off Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in healthcare settings.

And now advancements in disinfection technology have introduced superior alternatives which are not only more effective in killing pathogens but are also safer and more environmentally friendly.

The limitations of chlorine-based disinfectants

Chlorine has long been used for its strong disinfectant properties. However, it comes with several drawbacks:

• Corrosive nature: Chlorine is corrosive and can damage surfaces, equipment, and even skin upon contact.
• Health risks: Chlorine exposure can lead to respiratory problems and skin irritation for healthcare workers and patients.
• Environmental impact: Chlorine products can generate harmful compounds into the environment, contributing to pollution and ecological damage.

Christine Sparks, Commercial Director, MTP Innovations, said: “While chlorine has served as a reliable disinfectant for many years, the risks associated with chlorine and the recent research highlighting its ineffectiveness cannot be ignored. Particularly when there’s now a more advanced alternative solution available supported by robust research and real-world effectiveness.”

Time for change

Recent University of Plymouth research, featured in the Independent (‘Chlorine disinfectant no more effective than water at killing superbug’) and the Guardian (‘Bleach does not tackle fatal hospital superbug, UK researchers find’), presents a compelling case for rethinking disinfection practices and products in healthcare with evidence suggesting that chlorine may be ‘no more effective than water’.

According to the findings, spores of the C. diff bacteria are unaffected in certain contexts despite being treated with high concentrations of bleach.

Chrstine adds: “It is time to consider safer, more effective alternatives. DiffX™ disinfectant stands out as the solution that addresses the limitations of chlorine while providing superior pathogen control.

“For healthcare facilities committed to the highest standards of hygiene and safety, the transition to more advanced disinfectants is a crucial step forward.”

A superior alternative

DiffX™ disinfectant represents a significant advancement in infection control and offers several compelling benefits over traditional chlorine-based disinfectants:

• Enhanced efficacy: DiffX™ is effective in eliminating pathogens, including tough-to-eradicate bacteria and viruses, whilst working through dirt and organic matter. This improved efficacy translates to better protection for patients and staff.
• Safety: DiffX™ is non-corrosive and non-irritating, making it safer for both healthcare workers and patients. It eliminates the health risks associated with chlorine exposure, ensuring a safer working environment.
• Environmental friendliness: DiffX™ is biodegradable and does not produce harmful byproducts. This means it is kinder to the environment, aligning with the NHS’s commitment to sustainability and Green Plans.

“Embracing innovation in disinfection products and practices not only enhances patient care but also supports the wellbeing of healthcare workers and the environment,” says Christine. “Let’s work together to make our hospitals safer and healthier for everyone.”

For more information on DiffX™ and how it can benefit your facility call 01484 505 615 or email info@diffxdoesit.com.

Infection control staff and healthcare cleaning teams make a major contribution to protecting the health of the nation. 

Often working diligently below the radar, these two crucially important teams function as the first line of defence and the last line of resistance in the fight against harmful pathogens.  

People protectors 

Infection prevention and control teams work with healthcare staff, patients, and visitors to reduce the risk of transmission of infection, often in partnership with the Domestic Services teams also working to reduce the risk of infection. The NHS calls them “the lifeblood of the NHS.” 

By setting and upholding high standards in cleanliness and care, these guardians actively prevent the spread of illness and keep patients, staff and visitors safe. 

The evolution of cleaning process 

How can we make their job easier? What can we do to support them?  

Time is of the essence when cleaning and disinfecting, so one way to help would be to save them time.  

Historically, chlorine has been the go-to disinfectant to clean hospitals and surfaces, but studies show that chlorine loses its efficacy when it comes into contact with dirt or organic matter, so surfaces and areas are cleaned with detergents before being disinfected with chlorine, effectively doubling the time it takes to make a ward safe. 

Despite this two-step process, the method became routine. Chlorine also has the additional drawback of being corrosive in nature and not suitable for use on all materials. 

There was no alterative until recently.  

The next generation of pathogen-fighting power 

Hospitals and other healthcare settings are now choosing our timesaving one-step process combining cleaning and disinfection with DiffX™. Working through dirt and reducing the spread of infection without lowering standards of care. 

Tested in UK laboratories to comply with the highest European standards, this powerful chlorine-free oxygenated cleaning and disinfection system is proven to eliminate all known surface contamination including spores, bacteria, viruses. DiffX™ eliminates COVID-19, C. difficile, MRSA, Norovirus, H1N1 virus, CRE/CRO, CPE, Candida auris, Mpox, and Tuberculosis. 

This dual-purpose professional grade product also has cost saving benefits while keeping cleaning and disinfection standards high, and its pH-neutral, non-corrosive formula is also gentler on surfaces and equipment. It is a natural progression in infection prevention. 

Contact the MTP Innovations team to organise your free trial of DiffX™. 

Mike Jepson       Email: info@diffxdoesit.com    Telephone: 01484 505615

Protection against infection

The team here at DiffX Does It™ are passionate about the work we do to help hospitals reduce infections and keep them clean.

Our aim is to reduce the impact of Healthcare Acquired Infections for our loved ones who are ill and or vulnerable, the dedicated staff who care for them and all volunteers and visitors who help with recovery.

DiffX™ is both a cleaning and disinfection product used on all hospitals surfaces to reduce and control the spread of infection.

Minimise the risk of infection with clean, safe healthcare facilities.

Keeping wards and healthcare environments clean and safe helps the NHS reduce costs associated with HCAI’s.

If an infection is found it can spread quickly and lead to ward closures which has an cause an onward chain of problems such as increased waiting times for patients due to be admitted, cancelations to operations and routine treatments, cancelled as the ward beds are not available after the operation as well and backlogs of patients in A&E departments and ambulance’s who are not able to be discharged to wards for their ongoing care.

Infection prevention and control

Healthcare teams are under extreme pressure to meet the demands of their roles and demands from the people using their healthcare services.

We have compiled these simple and effective steps to keep hospitals clean and safe.

Find out how DiffX™ can protect your staff and patients.

DiffX™ products have demonstrated a significant reduction in bed and ward closure days when compared to standard disinfectant and cleaning agents.

The efficacy of DiffX™ is supported with clinical evidence and supports infection prevention and control teams, helping them make informed decisions when using our products.

Together we can fight infection.

If you would like to find out more, or would like to trial our DiffX™ products, please contact us:

Mike Jepson       Email: info@diffxdoesit.com    Telephone: 01484 505615

*A Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) is an infection that is acquired at a healthcare facility like a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. HCAIs can be from a range of microorganisms such as spores, bacteria, or viruses and common ones include: Norovirus, MRSA, Influenza, Monkeypox, Respiratory infections, and COVID-19.

We’re hearing more and more from hospitals looking for an alternative to chlorine for disinfecting their healthcare settings. Research is building a steady case against the use of chlorine-based disinfectants and cites a strong connection between chlorine usage and levels of occupational asthma. Both nursing staff and domestic teams can be subject to the long-term effect of this debilitating disease.

Due to the problems associated with chlorine products, chlorine free, DiffX™ has been designed to support the healthcare industry provide a safer environment for staff and patients and offers many other additional benefits.

Use of some disinfectants cause respiratory conditions.

We’ve taken a look at two scientific papers that investigate all degrees of breathing problems and occupational asthma to see what they recommend with regard to the harmful effects of chlorine based disinfectants, and at the way disinfectant and cleaning agents should be used, in order to improve safety and avoid the cost of chlorine on health, hospital equipment, as well as on the environment.

A study of 4102 American nurses conducted in 2014*, examining their use of disinfectants and the associated damaging respiratory effects, found that ‘in particular’ the disinfection of medical instruments was associated with poor asthma control and recommends healthcare services stop using hazardous substances and use safer alternatives for asthma control.

DiffX™ is a perfect alternative to chlorine-based disinfectants. It is a safer combined cleaner and disinfectant, and it does not cause breathing problems or make existing conditions worse. DiffX™ patented peracetic acid formulation, is non-toxic and totally environmentally safe, leaving no toxic residue on surfaces and any unused solution is harmless.

Certain types of cleaning associated with increased risk of asthma

In the UK, research completed by the Health and Safety Executive in 2017* reviewed 59 academic papers that looked at the occupational risks of asthma in relation to cleaning products and concluded that there is consistent evidence that certain types of cleaning work were associated with increased risk of developing asthma, and potentially other respiratory conditions, and making pre-existing asthma worse.

Asthma symptoms were reported to worsen with the use of chlorine agents and bleaches, and spraying these chemicals was also associated with increased risk of respiratory disease.

DiffX™ minimises waste and provides users with piece of mind. This safer alternative to a chlorine acts faster than chlorine disinfection, so it is especially beneficial for quick turnover of patient’s rooms and equipment.

Benefits of non-chlorine cleaning & disinfecting

Being milder and more effective, DiffX™ will not harm these materials in the way that chlorine disinfectants do. Supported by testing DiffX™ is safe on: stainless steel, plastic, silicone, laminates, and microfiber.

Therefore, reduces the costs of repair and replacement that may be incurred when using chlorine. Resulting in surfaces and furnishings looking brighter and newer for longer. Great for budgets as well as improving the wellbeing and moral of patients and staff alike.

Advantages of DiffX™

So, with strong scientific evidence, does this mean that chlorine-based disinfectants have had their day? We know that healthcare organisations are looking for safer choices and longer-term savings.

We at DiffX™ have been overwhelmed with the interest in our product that has been designed to provide such an alternative. The absence of chlorine and the application of DiffX™ provides a safer product that does not harm health or productivity.

This, combined with DiffX™’s non-corrosive effect on hospital equipment makes it a better choice for effective cleaning and disinfection with massive long-term benefits for health and hospital budgets.

Book a call with us to find out how we supported a hospital domestic team member to return to work after 3 months off from the effects of chlorine on their health;

Mike Jepson       Email: info@diffxdoesit.com    Telephone: 01484 505615

References
* Dumas O, Wiley AS, Quinot C, et al, occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma control in US nurses
Health and safety executive 2017 study ‘A literature review of evidence on cleaning products And Occupational risks for asthma’

As corporate members of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS), it was great to attend the IPS Journey To Net Zero conference in Birmingham and hear more about the ongoing task of taking NHS’ emissions to Net Zero by 2040 in all areas under their control.

It was great to see the subject of sustainability discussed with the urgency and commitment that it needs, as well as hear about the progress to date.

The breadth and variety of ideas about how changing products can help the NHS move towards net zero was impressive.

We share the IPS community’s commitment to sustainable products. DiffX™ cleaner and disinfectant which supports the NHS in reducing its environmental impact, and effectively reducing infections.

Our special thanks go to the coordinator for the IPS’ Sustainability SIG Graham Pike Associate Director of Nursing & IPC, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who’s championing sustainability in all aspects of the infection prevention industry, as well as to the many great speakers, such as; Holly Slyne, Jon Otter, Heidi Barnard and Clare Nash. We look forward to hearing updates on how the practical steps, case studies and ideas raised at the conference are spreading throughout our healthcare systems.

Would you like more information about how we can support you?

Mike Jepson      Email: mike.jepson@mtpinnovations.com          Telephone: 01484 505615

Our DiffX™ products are easy to use and proven to destroy life threatening viruses, fungi, yeasts, spores and bacteria.

Its pH neutral formula is easy on the environment and a powerful disinfectant that eliminates all surface contamination.

To support you use our product correctly we have this short video.

The 5 main points from the video to correctly use DiffX™ are:

• Check dilution rates for the type of cleaning and disinfection you need
• Ensure water is warm to the touch, between 35º – 45º
• Allow the sachet to fully dissolve
• In use, ensure the cloth or mop is damp but not wet
• Effective for 24 hours, discard any leftover solution after this time

­If you would like to find out more about how to use our DiffX™ products please contact us:

Mike Jepson      Email: info@diffxdoesit.com          Telephone: 01484 505615

Winter months bring colder temperatures and shorter days, but they also bring something else – more pathogens and illness! In this blog we remind ourselves of the importance of infection prevention and control and cleaning and disinfection within a healthcare setting.

Common cold, flu, and norovirus, can spread quickly and cause serious complications for those with weakened immune systems, and impact the workload on the already overstretched NHS staff and services.

These illnesses can be transmitted easily in hospitals, as patients and visitors inadvertently bring them in with them. They are spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, and healthcare professionals.

Infection prevention and control is vitally important in the fight against the spread of winter viruses and other healthcare acquired infections.

Healthcare professionals should always:

• practice good hand hygiene,
• use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves & masks, where appropriate, and
• ensure that all surfaces and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Here at MTP Innovations we can support you with the latter. Our DiffX™ disinfection system is proven to be effective against all healthcare associated infections whilst protecting surfaces and equipment with its pH neutral, non-corrosive formula.

The powerful formulation allows healthcare teams to clean and disinfect at the same time, sanitising all surfaces such as floors and worktops as well as those high touchpoint areas and patient’s contact surfaces such as medical equipment, bed rails and door handles.

By taking the necessary steps to practice effective disinfection and following good infection prevention and control practices, hospitals can help protect their staff, patients, and visitors from the spread of winter pathogens.

If you would like to find out more about how the MTP Innovations team can support you with keeping your healthcare environments clean and sanitised, or to arrange a fully supported evaluation, get in contact with us:

Christine Sparks      Email: info@diffxdoesit.com          Telephone: 01484 505615