Британская больница сэкономила зарплату трех медсестер, перейдя на готовые дезинфицирующие салфетки Medipal

An NHS trust has unlocked annual savings equivalent to the salaries of up to three band 5 nurses after making what has been described as an ‘effortless’ switch to Medipal medical wipes, according to its infection prevention and control (IPC) site lead. Mark Dalauidao, who joined the NHS in 2016 on a hyperacute stroke unit, oversees IPC strategy across East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. He has played an instrumental role in modernising cleaning and disinfection protocols to improve both compliance within the trust, and patient safety. Drawing on his frontline experience, underpinned by evidence-based guidance, Mr Dalauidao identified opportunities to streamline infection prevention practices, particularly in high-pressure clinical settings, such as accident and emergency departments, intensive care units and within end-of-life and palliative care environments, where time is critical. The procurement of ready-to-use Medipal surface disinfectant and patient care wipes, ranging from high-level chlorine products to dermatologically tested wipes that are suitable for use without gloves, has helped to eliminate time-consuming preparation processes within Mr Dalauidao’s trust. This has enabled clinical staff to focus more on what really matters; exceptional, timely patient care. Since making the switch to Medipal, the procurement team at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has reported annual savings of between £70,000 and £80,000, which Mr Dalauidao equates to the annual salaries of up to three band 5 nurses. From 6 July 2026, an enhanced range of Medipal products will be available from NHS Supply Chain under the new Surface Disinfectant Procurement Framework. At a time when the NHS is in crisis, with a chronic lack of nursing staff and many being deterred from nursing professions due to increasing pressures, Mr Dalauidao believes other trusts should follow suit to make the switch, which would “empower trusts to employ the very nurses they are crying out for”. Beyond cost and resource value, the switch has also delivered operational peace of mind for Mr Dalauidao’s trust. In the trust’s two years of using Medipal products, no issues have been raised or reported relating to damage or degradation of near-patient equipment – a concern that is often faced by trusts when considering alternative medical wipe providers. The consistency of dosing has also been a key advantage of the transition, according to Mr Dalauidao. Across the entire product range, Medipal disinfectant wipes are pre-saturated with the correct amount of disinfectant, reducing the risk of user error and supporting more reliable infection control practices. Pre-prepared disinfectant wipes are widely recognised for improving efficiency and reducing variability in disinfection practices, compared to traditional methods*. “In areas like accident and emergency and intensive care units, every second counts,” Mr Dalauidao explains. “What I really like about Medipal products, and what gives me the assurance that the product is exceptional, is that every time I pick up a single disinfectant wipe, I’ve got exactly the right dose of the disinfectant product. “So, having a product that’s immediately ready to use gives staff more time to care for patients, rather than preparing cleaning solutions before they can act. That consistency is essential for maintaining high standards across the trust.” The ease of transition was another driving force behind the trust’s successful Medipal roll-out. Mr Dalauidao noted that the trust had been actively seeking a provider capable of delivering both high-quality products and dedicated customer support, alongside, of course, improved cost-effectiveness. Mr Dalauidao says: “It was a relatively effortless switch. “We needed a provider that could meet our standards for quality and reliability, while also delivering better value, and Medipal has done exactly that. “Not only have they provided an exceptional quality product, but their ongoing support has been phenomenal. They are a true business partner in every sense of the word.” With no reported issues since the implementation of Medipal products and measurable financial benefits already realised, the IPC lead says he would “100% recommend” Medipal products to other NHS trusts. “The product quality, the support and the engagement from the team have all been truly top notch. It’s made a real difference to how we manage infection prevention on the ground,” he says. Jan Attewell, NHS key account manager (Midlands) at Medipal, says: “We proudly push the boundaries of hygiene and infection control. “From supporting healthcare providers in developing nations to advancing sustainability and strengthening local communities, we go beyond manufacturing to create lasting value. “Medipal offers exceptional value for NHS trusts, because not only do we offer them phenomenal, well-needed cost savings, but we’re also an incredibly sustainable product, manufactured right here in the UK. “Our wipes are manufactured where we were founded, in Leicester, so by choosing to switch to Medipal products, trusts are also working towards their sustainability targets too. We’re a Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutral facility, driving down CO2 emissions for transport and manufacturing alike. “All of our UK manufactured Medipal products can be recycled as part of the NHS waste handling process.” For more information about Medipal’s product range, visit the website.