Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 24th April 2025 Issue no. 1159
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Expert panel concludes single-use products are essential for infection control and cleanliness
A distinguished panel of experts joined a webinar hosted by Knowlex to explore the role of single-use products in infection control and hygiene, particularly in healthcare settings and commercial kitchens.
The session featured Professor Katie Laird, Professor of Microbiology, head of Infectious Disease Research Group, and expert in both infectious disease and textiles at De Montfort University; Professor Mark Wilcox OBE, an internationally recognised microbiologist and expert in C. difficile infections from NHS England; and Emma Brookes (pictured), head of soft FM and strategy at NHS England.
The panel members shared their insights into the complexities of infection control in these critical environments, with discussion focusing on the challenges and benefits of using single-use items, such as paper towels, to prevent the spread of infections.
Emma Brookes highlighted that while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, high-quality paper towels are the most effective option for hand drying in washrooms. She emphasised the importance of investing in superior products to ensure high hygiene standards and minimise bacterial transmission.
Professor Katie Laird, with her deep expertise in infectious disease and textiles, provided a unique perspective on the materials used in hygiene products. She explained how understanding the intersection of textiles and infectious disease is crucial for selecting the most effective products for infection control. Her role as Head of the Infectious Disease Research Group and her specialised knowledge of textiles allowed her to highlight how specific materials and manufacturing processes can impact the effectiveness of hygiene solutions in preventing the spread of infections.
Professor Mark Wilcox OBE shared his insights on infection control from a microbiological standpoint. His extensive experience including studies on the transmission of viruses, when using different hand drying methods, reinforced the complexity of infection transmission and the need for evidence-based practices when selecting hygiene products in both healthcare and commercial kitchen environments.
The webinar concluded with the consensus that single-use products are essential for infection control and cleanliness. All choices must be carefully considered in a multi-disciplinary approach, weighting factors such as quality, environmental impact, and cost. The experts agreed that healthcare provider must make informed decisions backed by research to achieve the best hygiene outcomes.
Download the Webinar at:
27th March 2025