The Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers' Association (TMVA), part of BEAMA, has welcomed the publication of two reports following on from the tragic infant deaths at neonatal units in Belfast in December 2011 and January this year.
The deaths highlighted the ongoing threat to health by infection from dangerous micro-organisms. TMVA says that when this type of incident occurs in the healthcare sector a lot of attention is focused on components within the hot water storage and distribution systems and much of this is directed towards taps and valves. However, the causes of infection outbreak can be very complex and need to be addressed at a system-wide level, the association points out.

The first report is the Department of Health 'Advice for augmented care units', which stresses the need for adherence to existing guidelines, especially the need for good hand hygiene and cleaning regimes.

The second is the interim report from the 'Independent Review of Incidents of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Neonatal Units in Northern Ireland, produced by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). This publication also highlights the need for excellent and consistent hand hygiene regimes and the correct use of washbasins for non-clinical washing.

TMVA says that the biggest area of consistency between the two publications is the reference to the need to adhere to existing guidelines. When adhered to correctly, they provide an effective barrier to the proliferation and spread of harmful micro-organisms. The HTM04-01 guidelines (Hospital Technical Memorandum 04-01 - The control of Legionella, hygiene, 'safe' hot water, cold water and drinking water systems) have been developed with the industry over time.

The use of correct hot water storage, distribution and end-use temperatures, together with correct installation and maintenance procedures, have provided an effective method of combating the threat of infection and rigorous implementation of the guidelines should be the starting point for all healthcare installations, TMVA says.

Terry Rowbury, director of TMVA, said: 'The TMVA is continuing to work closely with the Department of Health to look at ways of further strengthening existing guidelines.'

To view the publications click on http://bit.ly/Krxhsl and http://bit.ly/K2Z1Xl

For more information visit www.tmva.org.uk and www.beama.org.uk