Delivering Better Hospital Hygiene with Cobotics

05.07.2021, 13:30

Delivering Better Hospital Hygiene with Cobotics

Medirest, the healthcare division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is introducing 12 cleaning robots to support cleaning operations at several NHS hospitals.

Developed in partnership with cleaning innovation specialist, Killis, the innovative technology which is suited to large open areas in hospitals has been successfully trialling for over a year.

The robots will support the company’s team of over 3,000 cleaning operatives by being deployed in repetitive cleaning procedures in spaces such as corridors to free up team members to focus on touch point and cross infection hot spots as part of a “cobotic” relationship.

According to the company, the technology incorporates a scrubber dryer system, which typically uses 70 per cent less water and fewer chemicals than traditional cleaning methods, perfect to help Trusts to operate more sustainably, as well as contribute towards Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Climate Net Zero targets.

The robots are active in several hospitals including Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospital, with more hospitals across the UK signing up to use the technology – currently exclusive to Medirest.

Anna Hallas, National Domestic Lead for Medirest, explains: “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 be the first to bring this to our NHS partners.”

Steven Cenci, managing director, Compass Group UK & Ireland – Healthcare, says: “The pandemic has brought recognition for the amazing work our people do in helping to keep hospitals across the country clean. The introduction of the cleaning robots will further support this work, and we’re looking forward to introducing more with our partners over the coming months.”

Kellis managing director, Tibor Killi, adds: “We are absolutely delighted that Medirest share our belief and vision that robotics can play a key role in the day to day cleaning of a hospital environment. Robotics are changing the way we clean and we are proud to be such an active part in supporting the NHS and medical sector. Killis has invested many years of research and development in cleaning machine robotics and we believe our range of robots are the best cobotic to ease human-intensive cleaning for workforces with efficient technologies that really work.”

The first robot has been named in memory of Medirest colleague Hanzel Gardener who sadly lost his life during the Covid-pandemic. Hanzel did a significant amount of work in developing robotic technology for the organisation and was a much loved member of the Medirest team.