STERIS Launches New OmniFoam Dispenser

STERIS Corporation announces the newest dispensing technology in its hand hygiene family; the OmniFoam Dispenser. This new wall-mounted system for dispensing STERIS foamed hand sanitizers was developed using the information gained during observational studies in healthcare facilities.

There are many factors that impact hand hygiene compliance in hospitals, says Elizabeth Kalister, associate product manager in the Infection Prevention Technologies division at STERIS. We want our dispensing systems to encourage compliance in every way, so we studied all aspects of their actual use in hospitals to develop the OmniFoam dispenser. We made the investment in developing this unit because it is used to dispense our premium foamed hand sanitizers, Alcare® Foamed Antiseptic Handrub and Alcare Plus® Antiseptic Handrub with Emollients. These products can be key contributors to hand hygiene compliance. They produce rich moisturizing foam that users like, and are so effective that they have documented five-second MRSA and healthcare personnel handwash claims.

The OmniFoam Dispenser is a slim, sleek and inviting unit that conceals all but the necessary product labeling for a clean look that blends with any décor in the hospital. The new modular unit also has a streamlined splashguard that attaches directly to the dispenser and can be removed for easy cleaning. In addition, the ergonomic OmniStat tip allows healthcare workers to dispense product by pushing or pulling from any direction. The new design encourages installation in all public and staff areas and provides easy access to hand hygiene product. The new dispenser also covers and holds the hand sanitizers more securely, to assure that product will be available for use whenever and wherever its needed. And the unit includes a special EMPTY tab that can be raised into place when any user discovers that the container is empty. Environmental services personnel now have a clear visual cue that enables them to replace the foam quickly, which helps maintain product availability.

Hand hygiene compliance is directly tied to infection prevention, and as such is one of the most important concerns of hospitals and health systems today, says Stephen Loes, vice president of marketing for STERISs Infection Prevention Technologies division. These improvements to our dispensing technology can have a positive impact over time in a hospital if they increase the appropriate use of effective antimicrobial products and improve overall hand hygiene compliance.

STERIS offers a variety of hand hygiene solutions that includes enhanced compliance measurement tools, effective alcohol-based rubs, handwashing products and surgical scrubs, and hand hygiene awareness tools and posters. In addition, STERIS University provides convenient, certified clinical education self-study modules on several hand hygiene topics to help facilities strengthen their knowledge base. For more information about STERIS hand hygiene compliance solutions, visit www.steris.com or http://www.steris.com/products/view.cfm?id=4088.