Orange City, Iowa — It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but one area hospital is now using a “disinfection robot.”
Orange City Area Health System officials tell us that they have recently installed and trained personnel on the Skytron “disinfection robot.” They say this leading-edge technology disinfects all surfaces, including “shadows,” using high levels of UVC energy.
Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System says that they had researched this system previously and were intrigued with its potential. He says that with the advent of COVID-19, it became an easy choice to implement for all their facilities. Because of its portability and relatively small footprint, he says their people can move it literally anywhere – including in the ambulance after transferring a patient.
Hospital officials tell us Skytron’s Ultraviolet C (UVC) provides an effective method of microorganism inactivation for contaminated air and surfaces. They say that the “smart technology” enhances traditional manual cleaning protocols in hospitals to stop the spread of pathogens, such as coronavirus. According to the manufacturer, UVC “offers whole-room-disinfection capabilities, which help reduce the spread of viruses, bacteria, and fungus by denaturing their DNA.”
Guthmiller says that the ultraviolet light technology is one more tool in their toolkit as they ensure a safe environment for patients and staff alike. He says that once the COVID-19 outbreak is over, this system will continue to serve them moving forward – with other infections, or in surgery, or seasonal flu, or really anywhere it is needed.
Orange City Area Health System officials tell us they will be using this whole-room, germ-killing unit throughout their facilities where needed, including the hospital, medical clinics, and senior care campus.
