A hospital room of copper will help to prevent the spread of infections among children.
in the children’s Hospital Roberto of the RÃo Chile.
– the room beside the Hospital intensive care unit child Roberto del RÃo
-this project will benefit about 210,000 patients a year
Madrid, March 2012.- the children’s Hospital Roberto del RÃo and the Health Ministry, Chile have opened a room with many objects of antimicrobial copper in the intensive care unit, in order to prevent the spread of nosocomial diseases among children, that type of diseases spreading within healthcare environments. Similar measures have been carried out in three U.S. hospitals after numerous studies in various countries such as United Kingdom, France or own us, showing the antimicrobial properties of copper.
The ward has objects and antimicrobial copper surfaces that are in constant contact with patients and medical personnel, as the railings of the beds, taps, door knobs or housings of the nurses leaves. The initiative will serve, in addition to to prevent the spread of nosocomial diseases, to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures and how have had impact on the reduction of illnesses contracted in the hospital.
According to Dr. Luis Castillo, relief networks of the Chile Health Ministry Undersecretary, “by the background that we this measure can have a direct impact on the health of the most serious hospitalized children.” “On the one hand, it reduces the rate of nosocomial infections, improves the condition of patients, as well as the quality of resolutions and diagnostic treatments”.
This is one of the many measures undertaken by health authorities around the world to combat nosocomial diseases, which are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease, cancer and vascular accidents. In Europe, this type of diseases cause 50,000 deaths a year, more than traffic accidents.
New uses of copper
It is a clear example of new applications that copper is spending. In addition to traditional uses of the red metal in buildings, electrical installations or air conditioning systems, copper is being used more and more for decorative purposes or to take advantage of their antimicrobial properties to prevent the spread of nosocomial diseases in public spaces, such as hospitals, public transport and food handling environments.
On the Spanish Center of information of copper (CEDIC):
The Spanish copper information centre (CEDIC) is part of an international network of associations – sponsored by the copper industry – whose common mission is to help develop and defend copper markets, based on its excellent technical properties and its contribution to a better quality of life. This network is grouped under a same brand and visual identity: Copper Alliance.
Under the strategic leadership of the International Copper Association (ICA), Copper Alliance has regional offices in Brussels, New York, Santiago de Chile and Shanghai. European Copper Institute supports ten national associations and their member companies. In Spain, Copper Alliance is represented by CEDIC.
