SVH Acquires Germ-Zapping Robot To Enhance Patient Safety

October 15, 2014

Sonoma Valley Hospital is the first hospital in the North Bay to acquire the Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot. This state-of-the-art disinfection device enhances patient safety through an environmentally friendly technology that uses pulsed xenon ultraviolet light (UV) to quickly destroy bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens in patient areas throughout the hospital.

“This is another example of our commitment to the highest standards in patient safety and care,” said CEO Kelly Mather, noting that the hospital was named one of the 15 safest in the country by Consumer Reports earlier this

year. “It enables us to add another layer of protection for our patients with its disinfection technology, which has been shown to be 20 times more effective than cleaning with chemicals alone.” 

The robot, which has been affectionately named Lisa, employs Xenex’s proprietary pulsed xenon UV disinfection technology to quickly reduce germ loads, a major continuing source of concern for every hospital in the country. While not intended as a substitute for the excellent sanitation procedures at the hospital, it is expected to reduce costs at the hospital and improve sanitation efficiency, Mather said.

The device has been extensively tested on the most common, dangerous, and difficult-to-treat microorganisms using independent lab verification, according to Xenex data, with a resulting 99.9 percent reduction of organisms. The Xenex robot has been scientifically proven to destroy all major classes of microorganisms that cause hospital acquired infections (HAI).

Xenex reports the device has been tested at hospitals and medical centers throughout the U.S., with impressive results reported in disinfecting patient rooms, operating rooms, emergency rooms and Intensive Care Units, among others.

The hospital acquired the robot with a donation provided by Bill and Gerry Brinton, owners of Charles Creek Winery and committed supporters of the hospital. In fact, it was Bill Brinton who brought the disinfection system to the attention of the hospital, Mather noted.

Brinton heard a radio broadcast about Xenex and its hospital-oriented robot, and became interested. He was familiar with the disinfection properties of UV light technology, which he had used with great success at a fresh beverage company he formerly owned, and called Kelly Mather to suggest the hospital look into the value of such a unit.

After a review of the technology and its effectiveness by a hospital team that included Kimberly Drummond, Director of Facilities; Allan Sendaydiego, Director of Perioperative Services; Kathy Mathews, Infection Control and Risk Manager, and Ellen Shannahan, Materials Management Director, the hospital decided to purchase the system using the Brinton donation.

The hospital reports that Lisa was delivered in mid-October and will be operational shortly following staff training and incorporation into the Hospital’s Safety and Sanitation Management Protocols.