Sherwood Forest Hospitals introduces high-tech robots to support cleaning teams

Posted Monday, June 28, 2021 3:33 PM

Sherwood Forest Hospitals introduces high-tech robots to support cleaning teams

Sherwood Forest Hospitals has partnered with its cleaning and support services provider, Medirest, to introduce new members of the cleaning team - two cleaning robots called Alex and Hanzel.

Medirest has partnered with cleaning innovation specialist, Killis, to develop the innovative technology which is suited to the large open areas in hospitals such as corridors and ward areas.  Sherwood has been identified as one of three Trusts that have been trialling the new technology, which is now being permanently implemented.  

The robots support the hospital’s team of cleaners to enhance repetitive cleaning procedures in open spaces, freeing up other team members to focus on ‘touch point’ areas such as handrails, lifts and entrance areas to wards.

The technology in the cleaning robots incorporates a ‘scrubber-dryer’ system, which typically uses 70% less water and fewer chemicals than traditional cleaning methods, supporting the Trust’s Climate Action initiatives to operate more sustainably and responsibly.

Sally Palmer, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control at Sherwood says: “It is exciting to be able to have these cleaning robots at our King’s Mill Hospital site, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our colleagues were so busy ensuring our hospitals were clean and safe for patients, so having the support of the robots during the peaks of COVID-19 was greatly appreciated, and still is.

“We strive towards the highest levels on cleanliness at all times; this ensures our colleagues, patients and visitors are kept safe. The support of the cleaning robots enabled our cleaning teams to focus on key areas which needed to be cleaned regularly and thoroughly multiple times a day.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the cleaning robots as full-time, permanent members of #TeamSFH whose aid will ensure our hospitals remain clean, and our colleagues, patients and visitors are safe from infection.”

Anna Hallas, National Domestic Lead for Medirest commented: “Following independent trials with three hospitals, our teams have come to the same conclusion that the robot technology has delivered improved quality, consistency of cleaning, productivity and fantastic reaction from staff and visitors to the hospitals. This tech will really help our other team members focus on the more intricate and in-depth cleaning, so we’re thrilled to introduce this at Sherwood Forest Hospitals.”

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