A profitable investment for more effective and environmentally friendly disinfection
How can we guarantee exceptional hygiene in nursing homes while reducing costs and making our teams’ jobs easier? In the wake of the Covid-19 public health crisis, infection prevention is more of a priority than ever. In response to this challenge, the Monconseil and Trois Rivières nursing homes decided to adopt Sanivap SP400, an innovative steam disinfection solution.
“Sanivap SP400 has transformed our approach to cleaning, making it more efficient, faster and more environmentally friendly. It has enabled us to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among staff and save €10,000 on chemicals in just one year,” says Jérôme Foulatier, Director of the Monconseil and Trois Rivières nursing homes in Tours, France.
Monconseil and Trois Rivières nursing homes : demanding environments
The two establishments each accommodate 84 residents, including a 24-person Alzheimer’s unit at Monconseil. A team of around 50 employees provides care and maintenance at each site.
As director of the two homes, Jérôme Foulatier faces a range of daily challenges :
- Guaranteeing the premises are maintained in top condition for residents’ well-being.
- Ensuring effective disinfection, particularly during epidemic periods (Covid-19, influenza, gastroenteritis).
- Protecting staff health by limiting their exposure to chemicals.
- Suggesting simple and intuitive cleaning procedures to reduce mistakes.
- Combining compliance with strict health protocols for improved working conditions for the teams.
Before Sanivap : The limits of traditional methods
Before the arrival of the Sanivap device, the teams used conventional detergents and disinfectants, which were applied manually according to strict protocols. Dilution units were available for preparing the cleaning products.
However, these traditional methods had several drawbacks. The complexity of the protocols made it difficult for teams to apply them systematically. The risk of errors while diluting the products could compromise the effectiveness of the cleaning or even create hazardous situations. Staff members’ regular exposure to chemical substances also led to concerns about their long-term health. Lastly, the high cost of chemical products was a significant burden on the operating budgets of both facilities.
Jérôme Foulatier explains that “epidemic periods, such as those involving Covid-19 and gastroenteritis, have highlighted the limitations of this approach, particularly the dependence on chemical products and the logistical challenges of sourcing them.”
These issues prompted management to look for more efficient and reliable alternatives.
The Sanivap range : autonomous, high-performance disinfection
Oxy’Pharm’s Sanivap solution is a steam biocleaning device designed to provide effective, environmentally friendly surface disinfection in even the most demanding environments. Cleaning performance is ensured by steam maintained at a constant high temperature (above 95°C) and pressure (above 4 bars). This technology complies with standard NF T72-110, meaning that it is bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal and virucidal.
The choice of Sanivap SP400 was based on three major advantages :
- Ergonomics and reduction of RSI : less friction and physical effort.
- Proven effectiveness : rapid and thorough disinfection, validated by CPias audits. The CPias (a French public health body tasked with preventing healthcare-associated infections) monitors hygiene in establishments such as nursing homes in close collaboration with the ARS regional health agency.
- Autonomy and ecology : no longer depending on chemicals and suppliers.
“With Sanivap, we have become autonomous in terms of disinfection. This was an important factor in the wake of the Covid-19 public health crisis,” says the director.
Integrating sanivap into nursing homes in the tours region
Sanivap has been integrated gradually:
- Phase 1 : Purchase of one device per establishment and implementation of staff training.
- Phase 2 : Gradual adoption of its use (common areas, vacated rooms, sanitary facilities).
- Phase 3 : Extended use in kitchens and across other specific surfaces.
Supporting staff throughout the change was essential. For example, management had to listen to and reassure team members who were worried about using hot steam. The time needed to adapt varied from one employee to another, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
“Today, some staff members have been so won over by the device that they now say: “It’s mine, hands off!’” says Jérôme Foulatier, with a smile.
Major economic, operational and environmental impact : key figures
1 hour of work saved on cleaning vacated rooms.
€10,000 saved in just one year on the purchase of chemical products.
More than a 40% reduction in the cost of purchasing cleaning products over two years.
Validation by CPias audits, guaranteeing an optimum level of hygiene.
Shifting from using chemical products to using a steam disinfection solution like Sanivap offers an undeniably positive environmental impact, thanks to :
- No longer using chemical products.
- Reducing plastic waste due to fewer bottles and containers.
- A huge reduction in water consumption.
- The absence of any polluting residues.
Quality benefits : greater comfort and satisfaction
Figures aside, the use of Sanivap has also brought about a real change in the daily lives of the teams and residents alike :
- Better working conditions : less friction and physical effort reduces musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improves the quality of staff members’ work.
- Visible and perceived cleanliness : the effectiveness of the cleaning has been noticed by residents and their families. “I’ve been asked if some of the armchairs were new, even though they’d just been cleaned with Sanivap! – Jérôme Foulatier.
- A healthier living environment : by limiting exposure to chemicals, this new method enhances staff and resident safety while contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach.
Key factors for success : a comprehensive, innovative approach
The effectiveness of Sanivap is down to several factors that have driven its adoption and performance :
- Strong commitment from management, who supported and accompanied the change by actively involving the teams from the earliest stages.
- Customised training to ensure staff could quickly get to grips with the equipment and use it to optimal effect.
- A positive ecological impact by limiting the nursing homes’ environmental footprint.
- Improving the image of nursing homes by making them more attractive to families and future employees through innovative, health-promoting practices.
Rolling out Sanivap in CCAS establishments in tours
“In light of the savings made, the management of the Tours CCAS social services agency now wants to gradually equip all the nursing homes and independent residences it manages,” says Jérôme Foulatier.”
Four new units have been acquired for the Monconseil and Trois Rivières nursing homes. The management of the Vallée du Cher and Varennes de Loire nursing homes has started installing Sanivap and is following the same change management approach.
Sanivap SP400 : a significant improvement in nursing home maintenance
The experience of the Monconseil and Trois Rivières nursing homes proves that Sanivap is an effective, economical and ecological solution for disinfecting medical environments.
“Sanivap SP400 is easy to use. It seems built to last, and I’ll certainly promote this facility maintenance method to my colleagues,” says Jérôme Foulatier.
To find out more about Sanivap and how it can transform your hygiene protocols, contact your regional distributor.