The Frimley Faucet - an innovation in design of water-dispensing units in healthcare

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting global health threat, with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales representing significant concern due to their resistance to most available antibiotics. Recent reports in England show hospital wastewater systems, including handwash basin waste traps and shower drains, serve as critical reservoirs from which multi-drug-resistant organisms can escape and be transmitted to patients through either direct contact with the drain or splash risk. These risks are particularly high in acute settings with vulnerable patient populations, such as intensive care units.

Strategy: In response, water and wastewater safe care was initiated at Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in 2023 to eliminate all possible waterborne and wastewater-related transmission pathways.

Product description: As part of this project, we introduced a novel water-dispensing system - the Frimley Faucet. This replaced traditional basins and drains with innovative, drain-free faucets, and restructured clinical workflows to enhance infection prevention and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: When coupled with education and training, the Frimley Faucet innovation for the delivery of water for patients' care within a healthcare environment, is a safe, simple, cost effective and sustainable solution to combat transmission of water and wastewater pathogens including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.