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Baxter Healthcare Limited’s new antimicrobial needle-free intravenous (IV) connector, called the V-link luer-activated device with VitalShield protective coating, has been selected in an NHS run competition to find new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections.
V-link was the only medical device to be chosen out of 250 products that were entered into the Smart Solutions for HCAI programme. V-link will now be evaluated in a hospital setting with a view to it being supplied across the NHS if it’s proved effective.
Smart Solutions for HCAI is a national programme run by TrusTECH, the North West of England NHS Innovation Hub, on behalf of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (NHS PASA) and supported by the NHS National Innovation Centre. The programme is part of a wider HCAI Technology Innovation Programme and is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and NHS PASA which aims to speed up the development and introduction of new technologies to help combat infections.
The V-Link luer-activated device with VitalShield Protective Coating is the only antimicrobial needle-free IV connector in the UK. The device has been shown to kill at least 99.99% of the six most common pathogens known to cause catheter-related bloodstream infections.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE)
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Enterobacter cloacae
“We are absolutely delighted that V-link has been chosen as one of the innovative products that can help combat HCAI’s in hospitals,” said Andy Goldney, Baxter’s Medication Delivery Business Unit Director.
“Patient safety is right at the top of our agenda and we are keen to work closely with the NHS in any way that we can to support in their goals with reducing HCAI’s in hospitals.”
Bryan Griffiths, Smart Solutions for HCAI project director, said: “The judges were extremely impressed by the high standard of entries to the Smart Solutions project and the winners include some of the most innovative products in their field. They will hopefully provide us with new weapons in the fight against HCAIs in the future.”
