A new, state-of-the-art infection control system is being used at Grundy County Memorial Hospital. The Ultraviolet Disinfection system irradiates harmful bacteria that cause infection. The UV light is one of just a handful being used in Iowa hospitals. Shown with the new light system, from left, GCMH Surgery Manager Jessica Eilers RN BSN CNOR, CEO Jennifer Havens, and surgery nurse Michelle Brown RN.

GRUNDY CENTER – Members of the surgery team at Grundy County Memorial Hospital are referring to their new team member as a superhero. The hero is not a human, however, but an Ultraviolet Light Disinfection system that is improving infection control and patient safety. As more attention is focused on hospital acquired infections and the harm caused to patients who contract them, officials at Grundy County Memorial Hospital researched how their patients could best be protected, especially in the surgery department, where surgeons routinely perform total joint replacements, among other procedures. “Our infection rate is already among the lowest in the country, but we wanted to take one more step towards providing the best patient safety we can,” remarks surgery and patient experience manager Jessica Eilers, RN BSN CNOR. “Since we’ve added the UV system, our Environmental Services team is using it daily in our operating rooms.” Eilers says the system is portable so it can also be used in other hospital departments as needed, for instance, in patient rooms or the emergency department. “It’s an additional level of protection against acquiring a hospital acquired infection while in our care,” says Eilers. Studies show that contaminated surfaces play a role in approximately 20% of all hospital acquired infections nationwide, according to Beth Johanns, RN BSN, the hospital’s Quality and Infection Control manager. “Some of the bugs that are the most harmful to people and are antibiotic-resistant can live on surfaces for months and even years,” says Johanns. “Our new Ultraviolet Disinfection system can be wheeled into a room, turned on remotely, and left in place for several minutes. It’s shown to kill germs including c-diff, staph, and norovirus.” According to information from the system’s manufacturer, the Steris Corporation, ultraviolet light has a harmful effect on the nucleic acids found in the RNA or DNA of microorganisms found in the environment, thereby limiting their ability to grow and multiply. Since bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even spores contain either RNA or DNA, ultraviolet disinfection is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Anywhere the light touches becomes virtually germ-free. Together, Eilers and Johanns researched the various ultraviolet disinfection systems on the market. It’s relatively uncharted territory since very few hospitals have acquired the costly systems yet. “The Centers for Disease Control is recommending the use of ultraviolet disinfection as a best practice for room cleaning and disinfection. While we’re a small hospital, we’re also very committed to adopting new technology especially when it relates to providing patients the best possible care, and the best chance for achieving their optimal health,” says Eilers. “Our nurses and doctors appreciate being out front with something that’s proven effective against infection. We were among the first rural hospitals in the state to move to electronic health records four years ago, now we’re among the first to deploy UV light to enhance infection control. It’s all about being committed to the best outcome possible for our patients,” says Eilers. Grundy County Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital in Grundy Center, affiliated with UnityPoint-Allen Hospital in Waterloo and the UnityPoint Health system.