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NHS cleans up keyboard act
Hospitals to get 7,500 infection-resistant keyboards...

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Wednesday 07 May 2008

The NHS is introducing 7,500 infection-resistant keyboards in hospitals across England as part of efforts to make hospitals cleaner and safer.

The keyboards have been developed by University College London Hospital in a pilot supported by the Department of Health tech agency, Connecting for Health.

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The devices are completely flat to avoid collecting debris that often harbour infections and are covered with a hypoallergenic material which is resistant to bug growth.

The keyboards also have a warning light to alert users when they haven't been cleaned for a certain time. This period is adjustable depending on the environment. This light only goes out once sensors on the device are satisfied it has been sufficiently cleaned.

UCLH microbiologists have found the new tech can lead to a 70 per cent fall in bacteria levels on keyboards if they are properly cleaned every 12 hours.

The warning light system has also been proven by UCLH to increase hand washing by up to 10 per cent.

Maureen Baker, national clinical lead for clinical safety, said the tech represents a significant step forwards in tackling hospital acquired infections and in tackling MRSA.

Paul Jones, Connecting for Health CTO, said the introduction of these devices is a great example of how tech innovations can improve safety in hospitals.