In addition to its already stringent cleaning processes, St. Mary Medical Center is using advanced ultraviolet light technology to further disinfect and sanitize patient rooms and operating suites. Diversey® MoonBeam™3 is a powerful ultraviolet-C or UVC light that destroys viral and bacterial pathogens on high-touch surfaces to prevent the spread of illness. Used in conjunction with regular cleaning and disinfection, MoonBeam 3 provides an added layer of infection control.
“Our patients’ and healthcare professionals’ health, well-being and safety are critical to providing high quality care at
St. Mary Medical Center,” said Janice Ryba, CEO. “This high intensity UVC technology adds another layer of infection protection to Community Healthcare System’s already stringent environmental cleaning practices.”
St. Mary Medical Center is part of the Community Healthcare System and features the same level of high quality health and infection control practices as Community Hospital, Munster, St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center, Crown Point, and Hartsfield Village in Munster. MoonBeam 3 is one of the UVC light disinfection systems used within the healthcare system as part of its infection control processes and procedures. The Surfacide Helios® ultraviolet disinfection system is also used.
With the push of a button, the MoonBeam 3 is deployed for effective and chemical-free UVC light energy that eliminates any remaining hard-to-kill pathogens such as such as C. diff, MRSA, VRE, CRE and COVID-19. The MoonBeam 3 unit features three adjustable arms that enable users to better target the range and height of the UVC dose, effectively reaching intricate, hard-to-clean surfaces and ultimately enhancing patient care and safety.
MoonBeam 3 technology incorporates a number of safety features, including infrared motion sensors and proximity sensors which activate during operation. The MoonBeam unit is placed in the area to be disinfected and the door is shut. The device emits UVC light into the empty room, is remotely controlled from outside the room and automatically stops if entry or motion is detected. This automated light method is ideal for hard to reach and clean patient bed areas such as bedrails, controls, phones, IV poles, bathrooms and fixtures, as well as operating suites, keyboards, monitors and work stations on wheels (WOWs). By using UVC light, there are no cleaning chemicals and no fumes, which is better for the hospital’s healing environment.
For more information about COVID-19 protections and guidelines provided by the hospitals of Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org.
