EMIS offers washable keyboards with systems

Primary care systems supplier, EMIS, has started to offer washable computer keyboards as standard with its systems.

The move comes as concern grows that the so-called ‘superbug’, methicillin resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA), which causes serious infections in vulnerable patients, can survive and be transmitted on keyboards.

Standard keyboards are easily damaged by liquid spills. A new generation of washable keyboards is emerging but their higher cost is a problem in NHS setting where thousands of replacements might be needed.

EMIS says that the keyboard it has chosen, marketed by an associated division of EMIS, Egton, and protected by a technology called SpillSeal, costs the same as a conventional keyboard. It does, however, stand up to washing in chemical disinfectants.

The Unotron Spillseal keyboards, which can be used with a SmartRest smartcard reader – also washable – cost £30. Egton is making the keyboards available to hospitals as well as marketing them to EMIS’ primary care customers.

The keyboards have been tested by Dr Tony Moore, head of microbiology at Direct Laboratories, Wolverhampton. Results showed that most of the Staphylococcus aureus placed on the keyboards in laboratory conditions was removed with water, but that chemical disinfection was essential to remove the optimum amount of the bacteria.

He reports: “The results suggest that the use and regular disinfection of SpillSeal keyboards within the NHS could assist in reducing the spread of MRSA.”

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