Healthcare

Protecting patient health

Hospitals, clinics, and care facilities operate under stringent health and safety regulations, placing paramount importance on maintaining clean, sterile environments. At ClearFlow, we appreciate the critical role that healthcare water safety and quality play in ensuring regulatory compliance and optimising operational efficiency.

From microbial contamination control and closed loop system water treatment to clean water storage and disinfection techniques, we can support healthcare facilities in continuing to provide a high level of care to their patients. Whether your healthcare premises need support in preventing the proliferation of Legionella or ongoing monitoring of water quality for sterilisation purposes, our comprehensive healthcare water safety and treatment solutions are designed to meet the rigorous standards of the sector, adhering to the regulations outlined by the Department of Health.

Legionella risk assessments & monitoring

Legionnaires’ disease poses a significant risk in healthcare settings due to complex water systems and vulnerable patient populations. Our team provides thorough Legionella risk assessments, identifying potential hazards such as warm water storage tanks, long pipework runs, and infrequently used outlets. We develop bespoke written schemes of control, outlining clear procedures for preventing and managing Legionella growth. Our services include water analysis, disinfection, awareness training, and technical support.

Ongoing monitoring is essential for maintaining effective Legionella control. We design tailored monitoring programmes, including regular water sampling and analysis, to detect potential issues early. We provide detailed reports and recommendations, ensuring your water systems remain safe and compliant.

Preventing scalding risks

Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs) and Thermostatic Mixer Taps (TMTs) are crucial for preventing scalding, especially in settings with vulnerable patients. We offer comprehensive TMV/TMT servicing, including cleaning, calibration, and maintenance, ensuring your TMVs/TMTs operate reliably and maintain safe water temperatures. We understand the importance of consistent TMV/TMT functionality in patient care areas, and our services are designed to minimise downtime and ensure continuous protection.

The service involves temperature testing of hot and cold supplies to the TMV/TMT and the outlet blended temperatures to confirm that it remains within established safe parameters. Secondly, failsafe testing is performed to verify that the water supply is immediately shut off in the event of a failure in the cold water feed, thereby preventing the delivery of dangerously hot water. Cleaning and descaling are then carried out to remove any accumulation of limescale, debris, or other contaminants that could impede the TMV’s performance.

Optimising infrastructure performance

Hospitals rely on complex closed-loop systems for heating and cooling, which require specialised treatment to prevent corrosion, scaling, and microbial fouling. Our services for closed-loop systems include chemical dosing, system monitoring, and regular maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your equipment.

Regular maintenance includes system flushing, filter cleaning, and component inspections, ensuring optimal performance. We fully understand that downtime in these critical heating and chilled water systems can have significant and direct impacts on patient care, potentially leading to discomfort, compromised medical procedures, and even increased infection risks. Therefore, our services are meticulously designed to minimise disruptions and ensure the reliable operation of these essential systems, contributing to a safe and effective healthcare environment.

Microbial sampling

We offer insightful microbial sampling services, including thorough Legionella and Pseudomonas testing, to ensure your water systems remain free from harmful pathogens.

A risk assessment is initially undertaken to pinpoint potential sources of contamination and identify vulnerable areas within the water system. Selected points in the system are sampled, including outlets used by patients, such as taps, showers, and baths. Samples are also taken from other systems, such as hydrotherapy pools, and from any areas that have been identified as high-risk during the initial risk assessment.

This service enables you to take swift and decisive action to address any contamination issues that may arise. Infections caused by waterborne pathogens can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal, for individuals in care or those with weakened immune systems. We provide detailed reports of our findings so that you can have full clarity of your water systems.