Current seating in healthcare is hard to clean; it traps, harbours and spreads dangerous bacteria, acting as a point of transmission.
A new chair that uses a patented antimicrobial additive to kill bacteria is the latest addition to the Innovation Showcase at a world-leading furniture technology centre.
Clinically proven to kill >99.9% of bacteria including MRSA, E.coli and prevent fungal growth, the Titan Healthcare chair can be seen at the Hertfordshire headquarters of the Furniture Industry Research Association, also home to FIRA International Ltd.
The one piece design is devoid of joins and dirt traps and a smooth, non-porous surface enables quick and easy cleaning. An antimicrobial additive provides a constant protective barrier all over the chairs killing bacteria between cleans and prevents the possible spread of infectious diseases between patients, staff and visitors. The chair offers full postural support, is stackable and 100% recyclable.
Alexander Worswick at Titan Healthcare, said: “Healthcare associated infections, such as MRSA and E.coli, are becoming progressively resistant to antibiotics and the prevention of the spread of infections is an increasingly important issue. Infections are transmitted through contact and on touch points such as furniture, with seating in particular handled and used many times by numerous users between normal cleaning. This allows bacteria to transfer, multiply and then spread to other users, before the seat has been cleaned.
“A range of antimicrobial products targeting areas of high footfall and high transmission would help break the chain of infection thereby aiding with infection control. We have worked with healthcare professionals to develop a unique range of easy clean, antimicrobial touch point products - making the quick and thorough removal of dirt and bacteria the priority. We are very pleased to be able to display this innovative new product at the Furniture Industry Research Association’s headquarters.”
Representatives from across the furniture industry supply chain visit the headquarters on a regular basis and members of the Association have the opportunity to display new and innovative products on the Showcase.
Products are showcased for a four-month period and offers companies a unique opportunity to gain extra media coverage when launching new products, as well as a way to display the product to others within the furniture industry. This is free to members of the Furniture Industry Research Association.
Established over 65 years ago, the Furniture Industry Research Association is the UK’s largest furniture association and the only organisation that provides support to the whole furniture supply chain, across all sectors.