Better protection for patients and staff
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Each cubicle has a Hepa filter, which helps to remove airborne particles such as dust, mould and bacteria.
ST PHOTO: MUHAMMAD AZIM AZMAN
As part of a suite of measures to better protect its patients and staff, Tan Tock Seng Hospital has installed exhaust fans and Hepa filters, and disinfected its wards with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide vapour before reopening them.
The measures are:
EXHAUST FANS
These fans suck out hot or humid air from a room and expel it outside. Clean air enters through a doorway or vent.
When used in the wards, these fans can help to ensure better ventilation and facilitate air change around six to 12 times per hour.
HEPA FILTERS
Hepa filters, also known as high-efficiency particulate air filters, can remove at least 99.97 per cent of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. These include dust, pollen, mould and bacteria particles.
Installing these filters in the ward can help to purify the air in the area.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VAPOUR
Both are commonly used for disinfection.
Ultraviolet light, typically in the UV-C range, is widely used for disinfection and sterilising equipment. UV-C radiation can kill the Sars-CoV-2 virus.
According to the United States' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill viruses as well as bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
Cheryl Tan