Robots will enhance disinfection process
Reading Hospital Foundation, The Friends of Reading Hospital donate the devices
Reading Hospital received two donated ultraviolet light disinfection robots to help fight COVID-19.
Reading Hospital received two ultraviolet light disinfection robots from the Reading Hospital Foundation and The Friends of Reading Hospital.
The organizations each donated one robot, which costs about $50,000.
“We want to help ease patient concerns about the spread of COVID-19 as they come back to the hospital campus for their care,” said
Katherine Thornton, president of the Reading Hospital Foundation. “To be able to underwrite the cost for a device that will keep patients and employees healthy as we continue to navigate this crisis was important to the foundation.”
In early June, Tower Health announced the deployment of ultraviolet light (UVC) disinfection robots at each of its hospitals. The Finsen Technologies THOR UVC robot kills germs and pathogens, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, by delivering a germicidal dose of continuous wave UVC energy from floor to ceiling.
The device enhances the existing rigorous cleaning processes, officials said.
“We are proud to provide a technology that will protect front-line employees and their patients now, against COVID-19, and well into the future,” said Lucine Sihelnik, president of The Friends of Reading Hospital. “The Friends are committed to funding projects that make an impact on the hospital, the patients and our community.”
The robots will be used throughout the hospitals, with Reading Hospital focusing on:
• COVID-19 patient units.
• The emergency department.
• Perioperative suites where a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient has undergone surgery.
• Intensive care units, progressive care units and transitional care units.
“The safety of our patients and team members is paramount,” said Dr. Brian Lahmann, chair of the department of emergency medicine at Reading Hospital. “The generosity of the Reading Hospital Foundation and The Friends to provide two of the UV robots ensures our facility can continue to safely treat patients without the concern of the spread of COVID-19.”