VERTECO’s mobile handwashing station showcases advancement in hand hygiene technology

Can you provide an overview of the Smixin handwashing system and its key features?

“VERTECO introduced the Smixin handwashing unit to the UAE market in 2022 and since then have received an overwhelming response that the mobile handwashing system is an innovative solution which simplifies hand hygiene. Designed for public places, particularly in settings like healthcare facilities where sanitation is paramount, the fully automated system integrates water, soap, and hand towels in a compact, mobile unit. The free-standing unit not only ensures efficient and effective handwashing, but also promotes good hand hygiene and sustainability. Offering a 90% decrease in water use compared to the average hand wash, and a 60% decrease in soap and towel use compared to conventional dispensers, the system helps busi­­nesses save money and achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

How does the Smixin system ensure both effectiveness and sustainability in hand hygiene?

“The system ensures effective hand hygiene by providing a consistent, automated process that is easy to use and dispenses adequate amounts of soap and water to guarantee an effective hand wash. The system is touch-free to minimise the potential for cross-contamination. In terms of sustainability, the system significantly reduces water and soap consumption, using only 0.2 litres of water per wash, which is considerably less than traditional handwashing methods. Soap and a paper towel are also dispensed in precise amounts, reducing waste further.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

What sets the Smixin handwashing system apart from traditional handwashing stations?

“Our handwashing system is superior to traditional stations as it makes handwashing available to anyone, anywhere, with water, soap, and paper towel dispensed in a single, automated process. Traditional stations rely on manual operation and are prone to inconsistent use of water and soap. Smixin’s controlled dispensing ensures every handwash is effective and resource-efficient, and as a completely touchless unit, ensures a sanitary process every time. Additionally, VERTECO’s comprehensive maintenance and support ensures that the system always operates efficiently and effectively, minimising downtime and ensuring consistent hand hygiene.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

Why or how is the Smixin handwashing system particularly suited for use in healthcare facilities?

“Healthcare facilities require stringent hygiene standards, and a high frequency of handwashing is needed. Our handwashing units are fully mobile, meaning they can be strategically placed in high-traffic or high-risk areas, ensuring hand hygiene is always easily accessible. As a touch-free operation, the system also reduces the risk of cross-contamination, which is critical in reducing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

How does the system address the specific hand hygiene challenges faced in healthcare environments?

“Hand washing is the most basic, yet most effective way to support hand hygiene in healthcare environments. However, facilities aren’t always accessible. Sanitizer gel dispensers can easily be added just about anywhere, but they don’t offer the same level of ‘clean’ that soap and water do. Mobile hand washing systems address this accessibility issue, as the free-standing system can be placed anywhere it is needed, mitigating the challenge that frequent hand hygiene presents.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

What role do you see the Smixin system playing in infection control within healthcare facilities?

“Experts agree that the most effective tool in addressing infection control is hand washing. As well as removing dirt, soap molecules interfere with the fatty coating that surrounds and holds viruses together, rendering them inactive. And when we rinse soap away with water, we dislodge and wash away those broken-down particles. While sanitizers are also extremely effective at disrupting virus membranes in the same way as soap, no rinsing takes place, meaning particles remain on the hands. Soap and water together really are the ‘gold standard’ in hand hygiene and have the power to drastically reduce the spread of viruses and infections in healthcare environments.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

How does the Smixin system enhance user convenience compared to traditional handwashing methods?

“The reason most of us reach for hand gel is convenience. If you need to wash your hands in a busy public space, for example, as you are about to sit down and eat in a food court, the chances are there won’t be a sink nearby. Using hand gel is much easier than leaving your food to find a potentially busy and unhygienic sink. Our free-standing system addresses this problem, offering the convenience of a fully mobile solution for in crowded places. It allows anyone to wash their hands with soap and water, in any situation and promotes a healthy environment.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

What feedback have you received from healthcare staff regarding the ease of use and accessibility of the system?

“Feedback has been extremely positive in every setting. Users appreciate the ease of use and accessibility of the system. Within healthcare settings in particular, staff like the touch-free operation, which is seen as both hygienic and convenient. They also appreciate that the system supports their hand hygiene policies, making adherence to hand washing guidelines simple. Facilities teams value the system’s efficiencies in terms of reduced water and soap usage, and the reduction in the need for paper towels.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

How does the system encourage higher compliance with hand hygiene protocols?

“The system encourages higher compliance with hand hygiene protocols by making the handwashing process easier, quicker, more effective and more accessible. The touch-free operation and precise dispensing of soap and water ensure that each handwash meets hygiene standards. With a compact, all-in-one design, users can complete the entire handwashing process at a single station, saving time and increasing efficiency. The system’s mobility also means it can be easily relocated to meet changing needs within the facility.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

What are the key considerations for implementing the Smixin system in a healthcare facility?

“Key considerations in a healthcare facility include the placement of the units to ensure they are visible and accessible to staff and patients, training staff on the use and maintenance of the system, and integrating the system into existing hand hygiene protocols. Additionally, facilities should consider the system’s capacity and ensure that there are enough units to meet the demand, especially in high-traffic areas.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

What kind of maintenance and support does VERTECO provide for the Smixin system?

“VERTECO provides comprehensive maintenance and support for every system, including regular servicing, troubleshooting, and the supply of consumables. This support ensures that the system always operates efficiently and effectively, minimising downtime and ensuring consistent hand hygiene.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

Are there any specific challenges or success stories you can share from healthcare facilities that have implemented the Smixin system?

“The pandemic brought the importance of hand hygiene to the front of everyone’s minds. But as the world moved on, we all stopped prioritising hand washing – even when visiting healthcare facilities where frequent hand washing is a critical part of infections control. The system addresses these challenges by ensuring a consistent and thorough handwashing process, reducing the time required for each wash, minimising the potential for cross-contamination and improving hand hygiene compliance.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

“The Smixin mobile handwashing station represents a significant advancement in hand hygiene technology. Its combination of effectiveness, sustainability, and convenience makes it particularly well-suited for healthcare environments where maintaining high standards of hygiene is critical. By addressing the specific challenges of healthcare settings, the Smixin system contributes to safer, healthier environments for both staff and patients.” David King, Managing Director, VERTECO

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