Breath of fresh air for superbug treatment

A UK environmental technology company has received a boost after taking orders from the NHS for its air disinfection system.

Bringing the outside in – fresh air could help tackle antibiotic resistance

Scientists and engineers at Mid-States plc have created a new device, the “AD”, which can generate hydroxyl radicals - thought to be the germ killing agent present in fresh air -  in enclosed places, and in a way that is safe to humans but which kills any air-borne bacteria and devices.

Mike Heath, Managing Director of Mid-States said: “We know that superbugs can’t survive in fresh-air, but clearly it isn’t practical to have the windows open all the time! The AD allows us to bring the outdoors indoors. We have developed a device that is economic, easy to use and can operate continuously in rooms full of people. The AD is the product of over 40 years of British research and we believe it can be instrumental in the battle to beat hospital acquired infection.”

Sunderland Royal is one of a number of NHS hospitals beginning to use the “AD” as a central element of their response in the fight against air borne superbugs, including the drug resistant strain of organisms such as MRSA, C. difficile and E.coli.

Leslie Boobis, Medical Director of Sunderland Royal, said: “We were sufficiently impressed by these devices to install them in each of the bays and side rooms of our infection control ward with further devices being deployed in ward areas where there are patients who are considered to be an infection risk. Infection control is our highest clinical priority at the moment and this device has the potential to be a critical tool in helping us to win this battle.”