Oroville Hospital Deploys Germ-Killing Robots

Oroville Hospital recently added two Tru-D SmartUVC systems, a cutting edge, germ-eliminating UV disinfection robot, to its already stringent disinfection protocols as a further safeguard against serious and deadly acquired infections.

Tru-D works by generating UV light energy that modifies the DNA or RNA structure of an infectious cell, destroying bacteria and pathogens. The device calculates the amount of UVC energy needed to disinfect an entire room while taking into account room variables such as size, shape, surface reflectivity and the amount and location of equipment in the room. It delivers a lethal dose of energy from a single location to eliminate any lingering pathogens in the space. Tru-D kills deadly germs such as Ebola, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), norovirus and enterovirus D68.

“Oroville Hospital is the only facility in Butte County and the surrounding area with this advanced technology,” said Robert J. Wentz, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Even though the hospital is already a leader in infection control with the lowest C. diff infection rate in Butte and Yuba Counties¹, we wanted to do more. The acquisition of Tru-D is an added layer of protection that we use to ensure the well-being of every single patient who walks through our doors.”

After a hospital staff member cleans a vacant room using traditional disinfection methods, Tru-D is rolled in to enhance the cleaning process. The robot is remotely-operated and communicates directly with iTru-D, an application that tracks infection control data. Set up is quick and easy and does not require input of room measurements or covering of windows and vents. The system can disinfect an entire room from one location as its Sensor360™ technology analyzes the unique variables of the room and floods the space with the appropriate dose of UV light energy. As Tru-D perceives its environment, it determines the amount of time necessary to eliminate infectious germs from all contaminated surfaces before shutting down.

“Tru-D has been proven to reduce the incidence of acquired infections by 30 percent²” said Cooper Cunningham, Director of Environmental Services at Oroville Hospital. “While hospital staff members do an exceptional job providing a clean patient environment, this germ-eliminating technology accesses hard-to-reach areas. Tru-D will be a powerful ally for patients and hospital staff.”

By integrating Tru-D technology with current cleaning protocols, Oroville Hospital is providing an extra level of care and taking a proactive step in ensuring patients and staff have a clean and germ-free environment in which to heal. The addition of this advanced technology is part of the hospital’s commitment to providing the best care and health services to members of a growing community.