Member Article

Vernacare celebrates 50th birthday with infection prevention experts

Infection prevention experts joined celebrations to mark 50-years since the invention of the ‘Vernacare System’ of hygienic patient toileting and washing.

in 1964 UK medical products manufacturer Vernacare first developed the single-use system of human waste disposal. The company created the world’s first bed pans and urinals entirely from renewable natural fibre, together with the disposal machines that liquidise the waste and discharge it to the drains.

Today, the ‘Vernacare System’ is used across the NHS and healthcare facilities in 48 countries to improve standards of patient safety and care, save money and boost environmental performance.

Over the decades Vernacare has continued to innovate to create a wide range of disposable toileting, washing and care products - from bedpans and supports, urinals, jugs, and vomit bowls - to its wash bowls, and the new VernaFem female urinals. All products are designed, developed and manufactured in the UK to stringent quality standards, which means that the receptacles are totally leak proof.

Continuous re-engineering and improvement of Vernacare’s disposal units has resulted in the production of its latest Vortex+ model, which uses touch less technology to ensure that the disposal of patient waste from toileting and washing is entirely hands-free.

Other ancillary products have also been developed, such as the Vernacare commode chair, cleaning and disinfecting wipes, cleansing foams and an indicator tape to place around toileting equipment to signal that it has been properly cleaned.

Relentless innovation has won Vernacare many awards, including the Queen’s Award for developing the world’s first detergent-proof wash bowl and multiple awards for the VernaFem female urinal, which provides a safe and dignified alternative to catheterisation and other traditional continence care options for immobile female patients. Vernacare’s products are used to stem the spread of all infections and are currently being deployed to stem the spread of Ebola in Sierra Leone.

Emma Sheldon, Global Marketing Director for Vernacare, said: “The Vernacare System was originally developed to save nurses’ time, but today it is best recognised for its vital role in reducing infection risk and improving patient dignity and safety. We are proud to celebrate 50 years of achievement as a British manufacturer and global healthcare provider.”

Further information: www.vernacare.com

CAPTION: Infection prevention specialists celebrate Vernacare’s 50th birthday at the recent Infection Prevention Society Conference. Pictured (l-r) are: Alexandra Galdins of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust; Carol Pellowe of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; Hayley Brown of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Catherine Buchanan, Territory Manager for Vernacare

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vernacare .