Department of Health Patient Isolation System

In 2007 a poll of 600 NHS frontline staff revealed strong support for a patient isolation system (Temporary Isolation Room) to help combat infection on hospital wards. MRSA and C. difficile bacteraemia claim many lives each year and this development was initiated to reduce the incidence of cross-infection.

The resultant project, championed by senior DoH people, and known as the Temporary Isolation Unit (TSR), comprises a structural isolation ‘tent’ encompassing a single bed space and incorporating hand-washing, toileting, gown & gloving and air filtration systems. RGi worked collaboratively with all parties to develop a solution that can be quickly erected within a busy ward to provide an effective barrier against infection spread from patient to patient, and to visitors and staff alike.

Building on the success of the patient isolation system (temporary isolation unit), the project gained widespread recognition for its practicality and efficiency in managing infection control. The unit’s flexible design allows it to be swiftly deployed in a range of healthcare settings, offering a much-needed solution to the growing threat of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as MRSA and C. difficile.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Rapid Deployment: The TSR can be assembled in under an hour, making it a crucial tool in emergency situations or in response to an outbreak within a hospital setting. Its lightweight structure ensures that it can be easily transported and set up with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
2. Comprehensive Isolation: The unit’s design ensures full isolation of the patient through the integration of negative pressure air filtration systems, which help to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens. It also includes dedicated spaces for hand hygiene, gowning, and gloving, ensuring that staff can follow infection control protocols without leaving the isolation area.
3. Enhanced Safety for Patients and Staff: The TSR reduces the risk of cross-infection by creating a physical and functional barrier between the patient and the surrounding ward environment. This safeguards other patients, hospital visitors, and healthcare workers, allowing for more effective management of infectious diseases.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: As healthcare facilities continue to face budgetary constraints, the TSR provides a more affordable alternative to building permanent isolation wards. Its reusability, combined with its ability to be easily disassembled and stored, makes it a cost-effective infection control measure for hospitals of all sizes.
5. Versatility Across Healthcare Settings: While the primary focus has been on its use in hospitals, the TSR is versatile enough to be implemented in other healthcare environments, such as nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or temporary medical facilities set up during pandemics or public health emergencies.

The success of the patient isolation system (temporary isolation unit) reflects the collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, infection control experts, and RGi’s innovative design team. As the threat of HAIs continues to grow, solutions like the TSR offer healthcare providers a proactive approach to protecting both patients and staff from infectious diseases, ensuring that hospitals are better equipped to handle the challenges of modern healthcare.

In the face of future outbreaks or pandemics, the adaptability and proven effectiveness of the TSR will remain a valuable asset in safeguarding public health.