Installing CONTI+ products at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth
Unique products for a unique healthcare facility
The charitable Hospital of St John and St covers a site of approximately 14,000m2 in St Johns Wood, with 5 operating theatres and 70 in patient bedrooms, caring for around 80,000 patients and visitors a year.
Like all healthcare facilities, water management and the control of infection is a critical concern for the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. Thus, the Estates Team has tested and rolled out the CONTI+ range of sensor washbasin mixers and showers for public areas. Whilst safety and infection control were vital, a number of additional requirements also influenced the team’s selection of the CONTI+ product range, in particular reliability, functionality and the availability of spare parts.
Why the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth chose CONTI+ sensor taps
Idea for patients who are less mobile
Touch-free controls are ideal for less able patients who struggle to grip and turn a control. Scalding risk is eliminated with pre-mixed water which can be pre-set to an optimum temperature. With CONTI+ the temperature can even be pre-set in the factory, to reduce the workload of the installer prior to onsite temperature checks as part of the commissioning process.
Unique tap design eliminates infection risk in the solenoid
Concerns that the solenoid within the sensor tap could perhaps be a breeding ground for bugs and biofilm were also quickly eliminated with a simple demonstration showing that, due to the unique design of the Ultra tap from CONTI+, water does not even pass through the solenoid. The tap also has larger than average filtration holes which uniquely enable larger debris to be flushed away, preventing a build-up of material to which germs can adhere. A regular hygiene flush removes any stagnant water and areas where risk is increased, for example empty patient rooms, are quickly identified through internal management processes. Maintaining both showers and taps has been simple with a 12, 24- or 48-hour hygienic flush activated by the estates team by using a simple stop/start button, reassuring them of a germ-free system.
Ability to set flow rates and temperature to control water usage and temperature
CONTI+ taps offer the ability to set flow rates. Not only does this enable estates teams to efficiently control water usage but also assists cleaners by setting flow rates at optimum levels to reduce the risk of splashing therefore keeping wash areas cleaner. Energy usage can also be reduced by pre-setting the water temperature to levels which are sufficiently high for the cleaning of hands.
Stylish design and easy access for maintenance
The stylish design of the Ultra tap was an additional benefit which concealed its smart electronics. Useful functions such as turning off the system whilst cleaning takes place are easily activated making work easier for cleaning personnel. Aerators and the control electronics are all integrated into the “crown” of the product which is also protected against tampering with access only possible with the use of an Allen key. By having all hydraulic components, including filters, valves and isolation valve within the “crown” means that ALL maintenance can take place from above.
The modular design of the tap means that servicing can be carried out in seconds with the possibility to quickly change a filter without the need for tools. The “TwistStop” a unique and fully-automatic water cut-off, means that individual taps can have water isolated from above deck with ease. Small LEDs in the electronic modules signal the maintenance status and provide a straightforward diagnosis.
Energy and water efficient showers ideal for patients with limited strength
The electronically controlled shower faucet, Tipolino, with exposed installation operates with a simple tap of the stop/start control on the side of the unit. Even patients with limited strength can control the shower with a gentle touch. The temperature can be easily adjusted with its reliable thermostatic cartridge with anti-scalding and auto thermic protection. Manufactured in brass with a chrome finish ensures the unit remains cool to touch throughout its use. Showers have been pre-set on a timer for 3 minutes for water saving though can be adjusted with ease on site should users require.
Multiple installation options
CONTI+ taps are available in mains, battery, solar and turbine options. The Hospital of St Johns and St Elizabeth decided that the battery option would be most suitable for their needs. This simplified the installation process as no hard wiring was required, thus reducing the number of tradespeople needed on site during the installation process.
Easy access to spare parts
It was important to the Estates team to have sensor products which could be maintained with ease, including the management of any required spare parts.
Spare parts across most CONTI+ products are also standardised which allowed the Estates Team to stock a limited number of parts which would service the taps and shower units. Units are powered by standard AA batteries without the need to purchase from specialised suppliers.
To complete the process efficiently full training was supplied to the Estates Team with the CONTI+ team available to share their expertise, ensuring the products are set up efficiently and effectively on site. Products are held readily in stock with their distribution partners Challis Water to ensure swift and efficiently delivery to site on time.
“At the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, we are always looking for innovative ways to deliver that excellence. CONTI+ was a clear choice based upon the quality of their products with unique features and yet available at a commercially viable price.”
Steve Kimp, Director of Estates and Projects
“The safety and well being of our patients and visitors is central to everything we do and it’s refreshing to discover new products that support that whilst making our jobs easier.”
Richard Metcalfe, Head of Estates.
“The internal collaborative approach was something which we embraced. Working closely with the team from an early stage has enabled us to deliver a solution which works to deliver their individual goals”
Paul Musgrove, UK Development Manager, CONTI+
There is a more detailed PDF version of this case study which you can download here.
For the last 8 years Robert Summer – Head of International Sales and Marketing – has developed structured distribution network worldwide for CONTI+ brand. The products offer great benefit for washrooms and shower rooms for public, semi-public and health sector. Today, sustainability, hygiene and smartness are key to CONTI+ solutions. Robert lives the brand and its USPs and loves to support and motivate his team on a daily basis.
