The healthcare division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Medirest, is introducing 12 cleaning robots to support several NHS hospitals across the UK.
Partnering with cleaning equipment firm Killis, Medirest has developed a fleet of sanitation robots which are ideally suited to the large open areas in hospitals. The team has trialled three of the robots within partner hospitals for the past year.
Designed to support Medirest’s team of over 3,000 cleaners, the robots enhance repetitive cleaning procedures in spaces such as corridors. The company said this frees up other team members to focus on touch point and cross infection hot spots forming the perfect “cobotics” relationship.
The technology incorporates a scrubber dryer system, which typically uses 70% less water and fewer chemicals than traditional cleaning methods. Medirest added this helps NHS Trusts to operate more sustainably, as well as contribute towards Compass Group UK & Ireland’s climate net zero targets.
Anna Hallas, national domestic lead for Medirest, said: “Following independent trials with three hospitals, our teams have come to the same conclusion that the robot technology has delivered improved quality, consistency of cleaning, productivity and fantastic reaction from staff and visitors to the hospitals.
“This tech will really help our other team members focus on the more intricate and in-depth cleaning, so we’re thrilled to be the first to bring this to our NHS partners.”
The robots are active in hospitals including Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospital, with more hospitals across the UK signing up to use the technology.
Steven Cenci, managing director, Compass Group UK & Ireland – Healthcare, added: “The pandemic has brought recognition for the amazing work our people do in helping to keep hospitals across the country clean. The introduction of the cleaning robots will further support this work, and we’re looking forward to introducing more with our partners over the coming months.”
