Shining a UV light on innovative partnerships – Helping Hand

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Shining a UV light on innovative partnerships


An innovative new partnership between Helping Hand and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is hoping to use UV light to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, for people living and working in residential aged care homes.

Helping Hand has partnered with SAHMRI for a two-year trial research project that will test the effectiveness of UV light technology in reducing the spread of airborne viruses such as colds, influenza and even COVID-19. Golden Grove and Lightsview Residential Care Homes are both part of this important national research program.

The PETRA Study will run for two years and is led by Professor Geraint Rogers, from SAHMRI.

As part of the study, GUV (Germicidal Ultraviolet) wall appliances will be installed in shared areas at Lightsview and Golden Grove.  These kinds of appliances are already being used in hospital settings to destroy viruses and bacteria in the air.   Additionally, the research team, will collect air and surface samples and review routine pathology results from residents who have a respiratory illness.  Overall, the implementation of the trial will have little, or no impact, on the day-to-day activities of Lightsview and Golden Grove.

In Australia, and around the world, COVID-19, has been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of older people in residential care.  If the outcome of the trial proves effective, this SAHMRI led project, supported by Helping Hand, could be a milestone game changer for people living and working in residential care.

Fast facts

  • Only four aged care homes in SA participating
  • 30 units being installed at Helping Hand’s Golden Grove home
  • 50 units being installed at Helping Hand’s Lightsview home
  • Trials will be run over a period of four months, in 2021 and 2022
  • Initial results expected at the end of 2022.

This project has been approved by Bellberry Limited Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol 21PETRA) and is funded by the Australian Government – Medical Research Future Fund.

Watch the below news story about the UV light project on Ten News.

 

For more information about the study, visit the SAHMRI website.


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