New burns unit to control bacteria

Press, 21 July 1982, Page 12

New burns unit to control bacteria

The first bacteria-control nursing unit in New Zealand will be presented to Burwood Hospital staff today.

The $25,000 cost of the unit and necessary alterations to a ward at the hospital has been met by Christchurch North Lions, Zonta Club North Canterbury Area, Somerfield Townswomen's Guild. Radio Avon, D.1.C.Beaths, and three anonymous donors.

The unit will make posible improved nursing care combined with greater control of bacteria for badly burned patients.

Al.Bm by 3m plastic curtained enclosure is placed over the patient's bed. The area within the enclosure is continuously washed by a

down-flow of bacteria-free air.

Patient care is delivered through two moveable side access walls. All staff, intravenous, life-support, and monitoring equipment function from outside the sterile environment, eliminating the need for protective clothing and instrument decontamination.

The information officer of the North Canterbury Hospital Board (Mr D. N. Dywer) said yesterday studies had shown that the unit was more effective in preventing bacterial cross-contamina-tion than conventional methods. Patients with less than 40 per cent burns will be placed in the unit at first to allow hospital staff to become familiar- with it.