Presentations

This section contains presentations on various aspects of Antimicrobial Copper science and application, delivered to audiences at meetings, seminars and conferences.

• Antimicrobial Copper, an update, May 2012, Architects for Health

  Presentation delivered at the International Day Architects for Health event at RIBA, London on 10th May 2012.

  View [PDF 1599 kB]

• Healthcare Supply Chain Meeting, April 2012, UK

  Presentations made at the Antimicrobial Copper Supply Chain Workshop - Meeting Healthcare Market Needs - at The Clarendon Suites in Birmingham on 24th April 2012

   

  

  Antimicrobial Copper Supply Chain Workshop
  Meeting Healthcare Market Needs
  Birmingham, UK - 24th April 2012

  Programme

  In response to the growing interest in - and requirements for - antimicrobial copper products, Copper Development Association hosted an update and networking workshop for the healthcare supply chain on 24 April at Birmingham's Clarendon Suites.

  The event facilitated networking between all elements of the supply chain - from material suppliers to product manufacturers to distributors and solution providers.  The focus was on 'turnkey solutions' for the deployment of antimicrobial copper to fight infection - suites of antimicrobial copper fixtures, fittings, medical equipment and furniture.

  Presentations covering the latest science, the latest healthcare installations, experience of marketing Antimicrobial Copper in Europe, and the role of the NHS Supply Chain - and the opportunities it can offer Cu+ companies - are available to view and download below.

   

  Welcome and Introduction
  Angela Vessey, European Manager, Antimicrobial Copper Programme

  Clinical Evidence for Small-scale Interventions with Copper to Reduce Rates of HCAIs
  Professor Tom Elliott, Consultant Microbiologist, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

  Antimicrobial Copper Products and Installations
  Mark Tur, Copper Development Association

  Accessing the Market
  Antony Nicolaidis, Convex

  Accessing the Market
  Jerome Godfroid, Hospital & Healthcare Consulting

  NHS Supply Chain - Services and Procurement
  Nick Hutton, NHS Supply Chain

  Marketing Support
  Bryony Samuel, Copper Development Association
  
  

• XV Annual Meeting of the Polish Epidemiological Nurses Association 2012

  Presentation made at the XV Annual Meeting of the Polish Epidemiological Nurses Association, Wisla, 16th April 2012.

  

   

  Near-patient Antimicrobial Copper Touch Surfaces as an Infection Control Measure

  by Angela Vessey, European Manager, Global Antimicrobial Copper Programme

  Man has benefited from the inherent antimicrobial properties of copper since the dawn of civilisation and, in the last 20 years, laboratory research has confirmed copper's rapid, broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against the pathogens that cause Healthcare Associated Infections.  Building on the laboratory studies, clinical trials around the world have demonstrated a link between the installation of copper touch surfaces and reduction in risk of acquiring an infection.  Based on the current body of evidence, healthcare facilities around the world are now incorporating copper as an additional infection control measure.

  View [PDF 1798 kB]

• Antimicrobial Copper - From Bench to Bedside

  Presentation made to the London Branch of the Infection Prevention Society on 6th March 2012 by Mark Tur, Technical Consultant to Copper Development Association.

  This presentation was classified by IPS as covering the following infection prevention and control competencies:

  Domain 1 - Clinical practice

  Competency 1 - Improve quality and safety by developing and implementing robust, high-quality policies and guidelines that prevent and control infection

  Competency 4 - Improve quality and safety through the application of improvement methodologies

  View [PDF 1824 kB]

• Copper's Role in Reducing Infection and Preventing the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance

  Presentations made by Prof Bill Keevil, Prof Shaheen Mehtar and Dr Takeshi Sasahara in the Plenary Session on copper's role in reducing infection and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance on 1st November at the 3rd IPCAN 2011 conference in Namibia.

  

  Session 2B - Plenary Session
  3rd IPCAN 2011 Conference
  1st November 2011, Namibia

  Session Title - Copper's role in reducing infection and
  preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance

  
  

  Copper's rapid antimicrobial efficacy and its role in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance [pdf 6.6mB]
  Professor Bill Keevil
  Director of the Environmental Healthcare Unit in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

  
  

  Copper and infection control in rural clinics and cough rooms [pdf 788kB]
  Professor Shaheen Mehtar
  Head of Academic Unit for Infection Prevention and Control, Tygerberg Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

  
  

  The potential application of copper and its alloys for infection prevention and control in Africa [pdf 113kB]
  Dr Takeshi Sasahara
  Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine

  
  

  Reducing HAIs in ICUs by >40% with copper touch surfaces [pdf 8.3mB]
  Professor Bill Keevil
  Director of the Environmental Healthcare Unit in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

   

  At the 3rd IPCAN Conference in Namibia, IPCAN officially changed its name to:

  "Infection Control Africa Network - ICAN"

   

  
  

• IFIC 2011

  Presentations made at the Antimicrobial Copper Symposium at IFIC, Venice, on 13th October 2011.

  

  Reducing environmental contamination and improving patient outcomes by strategic deployment of antimicrobial copper

  Industry Symposium

  IFIC 2011 Conference
  13th October 2011, Venice

   

  Programme

  Some real experiences with copper alloys in the healthcare setting
  Professor Shaheen Mehtar
  Head of Academic Unit for Infection Prevention and Control, Tygerberg Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

  Laboratory science has proven the efficacy of copper-containing surfaces against
  pathogens; how does this translate to issues on the ground, especially in developing nations?  Where else could copper's antimicrobial properties be harnessed?

   

  Can there be a link between relatively small-scale intervention with copper and rates of HCAIs?
  Professor Tom Elliott
  Consultant Microbiologist, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

  Clinical trials have shown consistent and continuous reduction in contamination levels on copper surfaces to levels below proposed standards. Moreover, the link between this type of relatively small scale intervention and HCAIs has been reported in a recent three centre clinical trial.

   

  Practical aspects of deploying copper
  Mark Tur
  Technical Consultant to the Antimicrobial Copper Programme
  
  Evidence from clinical trials has led to adoption of copper touch surfaces in hospitals and other care settings. These interventions can be simple and cost-effective.

• Risk Mitigation of Hospital Acquired Infections Through the Use of Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces

  Schmidt MG, Copper Touch Surface Initiative Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA, BMC Proceedings 2011, 5(Suppl 6):O53 (Oral presentation delivered at 1st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control, June 29-July 2, 2011, Geneva, Switzerland

  Early results from a comprehensive, multi-site clinical trial in the US demonstrate that the use of antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care unit rooms resulted in a 40.4% reduction in the risk of acquiring a hospital infection.  Initial study results were presented at the World Health Organization's 1^st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland on 1st July 2011.

  View presentation

  Download zip file [7.5MB] - This webcast can be downloaded as a zip file, extracted to your PC and run locally by selecting the 'player.html' file.

• Antimicrobial Copper - A New Hope

  Panos Efstathiou, MD, DSc, Orthopaedic Surgeon, General Secretary of Hellenic College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, H.C.D.I. Scientific Support for Antimicrobial Copper Campaign - Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus

  Dr Panos Efstathiou presented the latest laboratory and clinical research on the properties and applications of antimicrobial copper to an audience of infection control doctors at the XVI Congreso Nacional y V Internacional de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Preventiva Salud Publica e Higiene in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria on 25/27 May 2011.

   

  View [PDF 2287 kB]

• Introducing Antimicrobial Copper

  An overview of Antimicrobial Copper and its role in fighting the microbes that cause infection.

  This presentation intoduces Antimicrobial Copper and includes scientific evidence, the facts about healthcare-associated infections, the role of Antimicrobial Copper in reducing contamination, Antimicrobial Copper products and the Cu+ mark and steps to take to help accelerate the switch to Antimicrobial Copper.

  View [PDF 1934 kB]

• Architect CPD Lecture

  Continuing Professional Development lecture for architectural practices.

  This CPD lecture covers the practical aspects of implementing copper at the design stage, such as where and how to use it, an overview of available alloys (such as brasses and copper-nickels) and their colours.

  To find out more, or book an in-house presentation, please email helpline@copperdev.co.uk.

  View [PDF 1203 kB]

• Antimicrobial Copper Touch Surfaces - Reducing the Risk of Infection from the Environment

  Presentation delivered at XXVIII Seminario de Ingeniería Hospitalaria, Malaga, Spain in October 2010.

  There is now no doubt that copper and copper alloys possess the strongest antimicrobial efficacy of all common materials under normal indoor conditions. This has been demonstrated both in the laboratory and, more pertinently, at a set of eight geographically diverse clinical trials. The latest results, from Chile, and new experiences from other trials will be reported here.

  There is general acceptance that high environmental bioburden will tend to increase infections but the case has, perhaps surprisingly, to be proven. In 2010 the UK Department of Health (DH) turned the spotlight on the influence of the environment on the incidence of infection. However, DH estimate that a sample of many thousand "beds" would be required to test such a hypothesis for a single intervention; clearly unrealistic in a dynamic hospital situation. A selected review of the existing evidence will be presented.

  In the UK, there have been a small number of early adopters of Antimicrobial Copper and a case study will be presented of one such specialist unit, the brief being "to set the gold standard for infection control". This will work through conception, choice, installation and use to maintenance.

  In order to support the understanding and deployment of copper alloys, a technology-rich website has been developed to act as a worldwide resource. This will be introduced and key areas for Infection Control and Estates Teams will be highlighted.

  View [PDF 786 kB]

• Practical Aspects of Reducing Bioburden With Copper: Selly Oak Hospital Case Study

  Presentation delivered at IHEEM Healthcare Estates Conference 2009, Harrogate.

  Copper and copper alloys have been shown to kill clinical strains of typical hospital pathogens in the laboratory, the groundbreaking work being done in the UK.  After extensive testing, including wear and reinfection tests, nearly 300 copper alloys are now registered by the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA as having antimicrobial properties.  These alloys have approved public health claims.  Clinical trials are ongoing in Chile, Germany, Japan, UK and the USA.

  The world's first clinical trial to publish results was undertaken at UHB Selly Oak by a multidisciplinary team under the leadership of Professor Tom Elliott.  On a busy medical ward, a large number of touch surfaces on fittings and equipment were identified as high risk ie 'contamination hot spots'.  These were replaced with copper containing components. Results of environmental sampling show 90-100% reduced contamination on the copper versus the control surfaces. Whilst the clinical results have been published, the practical aspects of the installation have not been presented until now.

  This presentation will review the decisions required to select high-risk surfaces for substitution, explain how copper can be incorporated in these items, and discuss availability and sourcing of products.  Drawing on the experience of the UHB Estates team, practical aspects of installation and maintenance will be covered as well as expected lifetime costs.

  View [PDF 462 kB]

• Unleash the Power of Antimicrobial Copper

  Presentation delivered to the Bathroom Manufacturers' Association AGM, 2009.

  Presentation given to the members and invited guests of the Bathroom Manufacturers' Association at their Annual Meeting, 2009, raising awareness of the market opportunities for uncoated antimicrobial copper bathroom products for hygiene and infection control.

  This presentation aimed to inspire manufacturers to exploit the inherent antimicrobial properties of copper because, at the moment, many bathroom products and fittings are already made from a naturally antimicrobial material (brass) and then covered over with a coating which prevents it from fighting germs (chrome plate).

  The presentation covered the laboratory and clinical evidence of copper's antimicrobial efficacy, the superior performance of copper at room temperature and humidity compared to silver-ion containing materials and the touch surface bathroom products required for hospitals.

  View [PDF 2378 kB]

• Meeting Demand for Healthcare Products

  Seven presentations from the UK supply chain update meeting for material suppliers, product manufacturers, product suppliers, healthcare contractors and architects, December 2009.

  At the Healthcare Estates Annual Conference in Harrogate in October, there was a real buzz from the delegates about harnessing the antimicrobial efficacy of copper. NHS Estates teams and architects are starting to specify copper alloy items but some say they have found difficulty identifying suppliers.

  The supply chain now needs to respond to this early demand and provide and market the required uncoated products. To bring all the key, engaged players from the supply chain together, Copper Development Association held a meeting for material suppliers, product manufacturers, product suppliers, healthcare contractors and architects to provide the latest information, a discussion forum plus an opportunity for networking. The venue was the BRE, Watford, and there were a series of presentations, an exhibition of antimicrobial copper products followed by a tour of the Willmott Dixon Healthcare Campus which features hygienic copper touch surfaces.

  Presentations:

  Welcome and Introduction [PDF 1639kB]
  Angela Vessey, Director of Copper Development Association
  An overview of the scientific evidence supporting the use of copper alloy touch surfaces to reduce contamination and therefore the risk of transmission of infection.

  Market Status and Needs - Alloys and Products [PDF 2352kB]
  Mark Tur, Copper Development Association
  Drawing on the experience of the Selly Clinical Trial, an overview of the touch surface products

  Sourcing Uncoated Copper Products - Experience of an Early Adopter [PDF 3013kB]
  Mark Barker, Regional Director, Race Cottam Architects
  Product requirements, challenges in sourcing these for an NHS hospital refurbishment project plus suggestions on how to help specifiers.

  Requirements of the Greek Market [PDF 1112kB]
  Nikolaos Vergopoulos, Director, Hellenic Copper Development Institute
  Status of the antimicrobial programme in Greece, need for UK suppliers via Greek importers to meet the requirements of hospital specifications under development.

  Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing [PDF 880kB]
  Emma Goode, Project Technician, University of Southampton
  The importance of appropriate test protocols (where conditions match those of intended use), JISZ2801 vs Keevil protocol, EPA test protocols, copper vs silver results, facilities at Southampton for efficacy testing.

  Healthcare Campus of the Future [PDF 1455kB]
  Philip Turley, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd
  An overview of a top-10 healthcare contractor's vision of sustainable healthcare construction which includes antimicrobial copper touch surfaces.

  Routes to Market [PDF 63kB]
  Chris Dyke, Connectivity Director, Medilink West Midlands
  Chris was unable to attend the meeting but has made his presentation available for information.

• Hospital Superbugs

  Lecture by Professor Peter Lambert, Aston University, 2008.

  Since the discovery of antibiotics in 1929 and their development for treatment of infection, resistance has been a problem. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance is encouraged. Hospitals now face major problems controlling the spread of resistant bacteria. The lecture will concentrate on the most notorious hospital superbugs, MRSA and Clostridium difficile. What can be done to control them? Can these bugs spread to the community? Are they there already? Finally are there more "superbugs" waiting to threaten our health?

  Prof Lambert is one of the joint leaders of the Selly Oak Copper Clinical Trial group.

  View lecture [56 mins]

• Copper and Public Health Conference, Athens

  Eight presentations from the Hellenic Copper Development Centre organised Infection Control Event, Athens, 2008.

  

  The first global congress on copper's role in fighting healthcare associated infections took place in Athens in November 2008. Leading scientists from around the world presented the scientific evidence supporting the case for incorporating copper surfaces into healthcare environments to help reduce the risk of infection and to protect public health.  Videos of all presentations are available - please follow the Session links below.

  The conference featured international experts from the UK, US, Germany and Greece, representing the disciplines of infection control, pathology, microbiology, hospital design, metallurgy and engineering.

  Presentations covered the problem of hospital-acquired infections - the organisms and the number of infections and deaths, the role of the environment in transmission of infection, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy of copper, the US EPA registration of copper as an antimicrobial material, practical considerations for producing copper products and architectural considerations for incorporating copper into hospital design.

  One of the highlights of the conference was a live videolink to Professor Tom Elliott, who presented the first results from the Selly Oak clinical trial which showed that, on a busy medical ward, copper taps, toilet seats and door handles had 90-100% fewer micro-organisms on their surfaces than their controls.

  SESSION 1 - Healthcare associated infections - the problem

  SESSION 2 - Copper's role in fighting healthcare-associated infections - the science

  SESSION 3 - Practical aspects of incorporating copper surfaces in the clinical environment