In healthcare, infection control is not just a priority. It's a necessity.
While modern equipment has advanced dramatically, many facilities still use manual methods for bedpan cleaning. Traditional handwashing methods are not only labour-intensive but also carry significant infection risks for both staff and patients.
With healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting approximately 6.6% of adult patients in hospitals in New Zealand, as reported in the 2021 national point prevalence survey, the need for enhanced hygiene practices in hospitals and aged care facilities has never been clearer. In 2021 alone, an estimated 24,191 HAIs were reported, leading to 76,861 lost bed days and contributing to 699 patient deaths. These infections also resulted in a staggering economic burden of NZD $955 million, with the majority attributed to years of life lost (YoLL) (Source: (Te Tāhū Hauora, 2024).
While the ongoing impact of COVID-19 may have contributed to these higher numbers, especially with increased pressure on healthcare systems (such as staffing shortages and overwhelming patient volumes), the statistics highlight broader, underlying issues, such as the risks associated with traditional bedpan washing. This method relies heavily on manual handling which may result in human error, potentially putting both staff and patients at increased risk of cross-contamination and infection via splashback and the aerosolisation of infectious agents.
Innovative solutions like the DDC Dolphin Optima 3 bedpan washer are setting a new benchmark in hygiene, safety, and efficiency. Many of these points were recently discussed during Cubro’s "The Power of Sluice Room Design" webinar in March, reinforcing just how critical upgrading your sluice room products, policies and workflows has become.
The hidden risks of traditional bedpan washing
Manual bedpan washing presents several serious concerns:
Infection control risks: Staff handling waste directly increases the chances of spreading infections like C. difficile, Norovirus, and E. coli and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Aerosolisation of pathogens: High-pressure sprays used during manual washing can aerosolise harmful bacteria and viruses, contaminating surrounding areas and increasing the risk of airborne transmission.
Time-consuming processes: Even when following strict protocols, cleaning three bedpans manually can take up to 15 minutes, wasting valuable clinical patient time.
Staff safety: Manual cleaning exposes staff to hazardous waste on skin or clothing, raising the risk of wider contamination where strict PPE processes may not have been followed.
Biofilm formation: Traditional cleaning often fails to remove biofilms properly. Biofilms allow bacteria to survive on bedpans and turn them into infection vectors.
Inconsistent cleaning standards: Manual methods can be less consistent, as outcomes may vary depending on how the cleaning is carried out, which can raise the risk of infection.
Traditional bedpan washing vs using the DDC Dolphin Optima 3
|
Category |
Traditional bedpan washing |
DDC Dolphin Optima 3 |
|
Infection control |
High risk of human error, aerosolised pathogens, and cross-contamination |
Thermal disinfection at 80°C for 60 seconds, eliminating 99.99% of bacteria |
|
Staff safety |
Manual handling of hazardous waste with risk to skin and clothing |
Touch-free loading and waste flushing to minimise exposure |
|
Time and efficiency |
Around 15 minutes to clean 3 bedpans |
Full automated cycle completed in 12 minutes holding a capacity of 3 bedpans and 3 urine bottles (or a 9 bottle option) |
|
Cleaning consistency |
Variable due to human error and technique |
Consistent, validated disinfection every cycle |
|
Aerosolisation risk |
High risk when using high-pressure sprays |
No aerosols are produced during automated cycles |
|
Biofilm risk |
Incomplete cleaning may leave biofilms |
High temperature kills bacteria and disrupts biofilms effectively |
|
Compliance and audits |
Harder to evidence strict infection control practices |
Helps meet and exceed modern infection control standards |
Supporting infection control through better sluice room design
Beyond equipment choice, the design of your sluice room plays a vital role in infection prevention. The Cubro webinar outlined several best practice tips, including:
Why choose the DDC Dolphin Optima 3
Choosing the DDC Dolphin Optima 3 means:
Take the next step toward safer, smarter care. Speak to the Cubro team today to learn more about the DDC Dolphin Optima 3 or to arrange a free sluice room audit to understand how you can improve your infection control measures.
Article sources:
New Zealand Health Quality & Safety Commission. (2022). Healthcare-associated infections in New Zealand: 2021 national point prevalence survey. Retrieved from https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/resources/resource-library/pps-report-2022
Grae, N., Singh, A., Jowitt, D., Flynn, A., Mountier, E., Clendon, G., Barratt, R., Gibson, B., Williams, C., Roberts, S. A., & Morris, A. J. (2023). Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in public hospitals in New Zealand, 2021. Journal of Hospital Infection, 131, 164–172. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36270518/
Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission. (2024, October 14). Paper highlights significant burden of healthcare-associated infections in public hospitals. https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/news/paper-highlights-significant-burden-of-healthcare-associated-infections-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-public-hospitals/
DDC Dolphin. (2022). Why you need to stop washing bedpans by hand. Retrieved from https://www.ddcdolphin.com/media/blog/why-you-need-to-stop-washing-bedpans-by-hand