Dutch Minister for Medical Care, Pia Dijkstra, visits SAM-UVC at Haga Hospital
Minister Pia Dijkstra Visits Haga Hospital to See Robot SAM-UVC in action
On May 27, 2024, as part of Infection Prevention Week, Minister Pia Dijkstra visited Haga Hospital in The Hague to learn about their innovative approach to infection control. The visit included a demonstration of Robot SAM, a UV-C disinfection robot developed by Loop Robots, which is used to reduce the risk of infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Minister praised the collaboration between the hospital's cleaning team and SAM, highlighting its crucial role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
"It's great to see that Robot SAM-UVC, in collaboration with the cleaning team, significantly reduces the risk of infections. This is crucial, especially considering the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We must combat AMR as much as possible, and the work of Robot SAM contributes to this effort." says Minister of Medical Care Pia Dijkstra
During the visit, representatives from AMR Zorgnetwerk Holland West, Loop Robots, and Haga Hospital’s Infection Prevention Specialists and Environmental Services Staff provided insights into the growing challenges of infection prevention. SAM has been in use since 2023 at Haga Hospital, effectively targeting bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens by damaging their DNA/RNA with UV-C light, rendering them harmless.
Sjaak Tersteeg, an Infection Prevention Specialist at Haga Hospital, emphasized that SAM is an enhancement, not a replacement, for traditional cleaning. After the Environmental Service Workers manually remove dust and debris and disinfect areas not easily reached by UV-C light, SAM ensures thorough disinfection of the room. During the visit, robot SAM's capabilities were demonstrated to the Minister in an Intensive Care Unit.
Minister Dijkstra expressed her enthusiasm for the robot's role in infection prevention, noting its importance in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. She recognized the significant impact of SAM in reducing infection risks, particularly in the face of rising AMR.
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