Reid Health is using robots to disinfect patient rooms

RICHMOND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) Reid Health in Wayne County is expanding its high-tech efforts to disinfect its surgery and inpatient hospital rooms.

The health system has deployed three more robots that use ultraviolet light to zap germs instead of using chemicals and cleaners.

The hospital says it first deployed the portable technology in 2017 to reduce or eliminate the risk of infection.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic this year highlighting the importance of infection control, we always ensure we have the best tools and technology at our disposal,” said Jennifer Ehlers, vice president and chief quality officer for the health system.

Ehlers says the first unit proved its value in reducing the risk of infection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the system invested in three more from Xenex, a Texas-based medical equipment manufacturer.

The company says the pulsed xenon UV light can disinfect a patient room in about ten minutes.

The hospital says it also uses the technology to sterilize every room after a COVID-19 patient is released.