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The healthcare division of Compass Group UK & Ireland is introducing 12 brand new cleaning robots to support several NHS hospitals across the UK.
Medirest has partnered with cleaning innovation specialist, Killis, to develop the innovative technology which is ideally suited to the large open areas in hospitals. The team has been successfully trialling three of the robots within partner hospitals for just over one year now.
Designed to support Medirest’s team of over 3,000 cleaners, the robots enhance repetitive cleaning procedures in open spaces such as corridors, freeing 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 per cent less water and fewer chemicals than traditional cleaning methods, enabling Trusts to operate more sustainably, whilst also contributing towards Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Climate Net Zero targets.
Anna Hallas, National Domestic Lead for Medirest commented: “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.”
Tibor Killi, Managing Director of Killis stated: “We are absolutely delighted that Medirest share our belief and vision that robotics can play a key role in the day to day cleaning of a hospital environment. Robotics are changing the way we clean and we are proud to be such an active part in supporting the NHS and medical sector.”
The robots are active in several hospitals including Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, with more hospitals across the UK signing up to use the technology – currently exclusive to Medirest.
The first robot has been named in memory of Medirest colleague Hanzel Gardener who did a significant amount of work in developing robotic technology for the organisation. He sadly lost his life during the Covid pandemic.
