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Healthcare units adopt Vestagen's Vestex protective attire

10 Jul '15

2 min read

A variety of healthcare facilities have started using Vestex active barrier apparel, a protective fabric that is fluid repellent and has antimicrobial technologies, for scrubs, lab coats, and jackets, by Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc., which develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies.

Adoption of innovative fabric technology for healthcare worker and patient attire is growing, as more healthcare facilities forego traditional uniforms in an effort to better protect patients and staff from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The facilities include Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Emergency Departments, Flagler Hospital and the University of North Florida (UNF) School of Nursing.

Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Fla. has converted more than 1,000 clinical staff members to Vestex uniforms. The hospital & Vestagen have also made colour-coded uniforms to help patients better recognise staff roles throughout the facility, according to a news release.

Vestex is the first in a new class of active barrier technology that combines fluid repellent, antimicrobial and breathability properties in one fabric, and it is the only daily use protective fabric proven to reduce harmful contaminants on the fabric in a hospital setting.

Uncas "Ben" B. Favret III, founder and president of Vestagen Technical Textiles said, “Clinical evidence of contaminated healthcare attire continues to grow, strengthening the case that patients and healthcare workers deserve a safer environment. Healthcare facilities are already bundling traditional evidence-based infection prevention interventions like hand hygiene and surface disinfection to help minimize the spread of harmful pathogens. Now they are adding attire made with Vestex to their evidence-based approach.”

Mary Mantese, DNP, RN, CENP, chief nursing officer at Flagler Hospital said, “Our decision to convert to Vestex attire was two-fold – we wanted to enhance patient and staff safety, and improve our patient experience. The response from staff has been very positive, as they experienced the fluid-repellent and stain-resistant properties of Vestex immediately and feel better protected from unanticipated contaminant exposures.”

Additionally, over 200 staff in the Emergency Departments at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia has been wearing Vestex since January, and UNF’s School of Nursing in Jacksonville, Fla., recently became the first nursing school to transition to Vestex protected uniforms. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India