Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a link between MRSA prevalence in large city hospitals and the spread of infection to smaller community medical facilities

A study by scientists at the University of Edinburgh identified that, in the main, MRSA infections started in larger general hospitals, before being spread around smaller hospitals and community facilities as patients were discharged or transferred.

For example, researchers traced the bug from a large city hospital in London to smaller units across the South East. Similarly, the infection shifted from Glasgow in the west of Scotland to the East of the country.

Lead researcher, Dr Ross Fitzgerald of The Roslin Institute at the university, said: “The high levels of patient traffic in large hospitals means they act as a hub between patients, who may then be transferred or treated in regional hospitals.”

The scientists looked at the genetic make-up of more than 80 variants of a major clone of MRSA found in hospitals. Known as EMRSA-16, this clone is the most common type of MRSA identified in the UK and only occurs in hospital settings. The investigators estimated it had been around on UK wards for some 35 years, and they identified mutations and genetic elements that may have allowed it to spread within hospitals.

The high levels of patient traffic in large hospitals means they act as a hub between patients, who may then be transferred or treated in regional hospitals. They made the discovery about its transference into the community by tracking movements using this genetic code as a tag.

This knowledge may now enable the development of new ways to prevent the spread of MRSA, and a number of other potentially-deadly healthcare associated infections. For example, patients could be screened and treated for MRSA before transferring from one hospital to another. This is currently not universal policy, although most patients are swabbed before being admitted to hospital for a planned medical or surgical procedure.

Dr Fitzgerald said: “This is the first time we have had genetic evidence for the spread of MRSA, and if we can identify the transmission routes, we can take steps to prevent spread.”

Health Protection Agency clinical scientist and co-author of the paper, Dr Angela Kearns, added: “This type of information is important to help us develop policies to improve public health.”

                          
LC SmartGlass is the ideal solution for hospital interiors as it creates a safe environment, protecting patients from HCAI’s whilst at the same time preserving a high degree of patient dignity by way of privacy control.

Through continued studies it has been proven that sheer, easily cleaned surfaces are essential in hospitals in order to reduce the risks associated with the spread of “super bugs” such as CDIFF and MRSA. LC SmartGlass provides the ideal solution offering a sheer, easily cleaned surface to replace traditional blind systems which are often difficult to clean and high risk in terms of harbouring dirt and bugs. This greatly facilitates the deep cleaning process as a considerable amount of time is saved compared to traditional cleaning techniques.

Using a minute electrical current, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa. LC SmartGlass can be manufactured and supplied to suit varying healthcare requirements such as fire rated, x-ray proof and impact resistant. When the electrical supply is switched on, the liquid crystal molecules align and incident light passes through and the LC SmartGlass panel instantly clears.

“This is one of the most carefully designed intensive care units in the country. It gives patients and their families the reassurance that they are receiving the best possible treatment in the most modern of settings, with the latest equipment and the most highly trained staff”

“Our first objective is the patient. The new unit has been developed to ensure that they have the benefit of the very best ICCU service that is available anywhere in the NHS”
Dave Mc Nicholas, ICCU manager

The Globe is undeniably becoming the landmark for CERN...
At 27 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter, it’s about the size of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.  A landmark by day and by night, the Globe stands out in the wine-growing countryside not far from Geneva. Its wooden structure constituting a symbol of sustainable development, the Globe sends a clear message on science, particle physics, cutting-edge technologies and their applications in everyday life.

At the top of the dome is a glass structure which floods the entire space with light creating a bright and spacious interior.
However, this is not ideal when darkness is required to show presentations and project images within the space. This proved to be a significant design challenge where light and darkness would be required at various times throughout the day.

Following the recent installation of SPD SmartGlass by SmartGlass International, it is now possible to darken the environment within the globe at the flick of a switch, providing an ideal space where presentations can be screened in high contrast eliminating the need for window coverings whilst maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the globe.

“The Globe has rapidly become an important communication tool for CERN. Aside from purely practical considerations, we had to make sure that we didn’t change the atmosphere of the Globe or spoil its architectural beauty. The new technology (SPD SmartGlass) meets all these criteria. It’s also consistent with the message of science and innovation we want to convey. The screen now has an excellent contrast, so our goal has been achieved – in the smartest way you could imagine!”
Bernard Pellequer, CERN

LC SmartGlass is installed within each room at the Kempinski Grand Hotel separating bedroom from bathroom instantly at the flick of a switch. This modern design element precisely matches the image that Kempinski wishes to portray; a stylish and contemporary 5 star destination hotel amongst the best in the Gulf.

“The product is amazing and everyone is really impressed. Actually, our clients are all interested if they can have this in their home!”
Maria Zaldua, General Manager – Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain

LC SmartGlass was used to create a glass wall partition separating bedroom and bathroom in each room at Eccleston Square Hotel. Switchable SmartGlass was the ideal solution to create a bright open space as it not only lets more light into the bathroom but also gives the impression of increased space throughout the entire room.

LC SmartGlass is installed throughout this stunning building to create a series of private spaces where meetings can take place without compromising the levels of light which flood beautifully throughout each floor.

LC SmartGlass was installed on the Freya & Odin Ships, two of four longship class-vessels launched and is used within each room on each ship to separate bedroom from bathroom creating a bright, spacious interior.

The christening of the four new Viking Longships represents the first time in modern history that four cruise ships have been christened at once, with Viking Odin and Viking Idun christened in Amsterdam and Viking Njord and Viking Freya christened via satellite from the Neptun shipyard in Germany.

Guests at the christening ceremony enjoyed remarks by each godmother and presentations by Hagen and Yran & Storbraaten, the celebrated maritime architects and Viking Longship designers.

“Great Week at Kempinski”
February 2012

“The bathroom was the best part ! A big bath tub , a great shower, u could get in the bath tub & watch the tv thru the glass or u could press a button & make the bathroom totally isolated ..”

“Beautiful Hotel in the Cty Centre”
March 2012

“It’s rooms are plush with modern furniture and all of the modern conveniences including WiFi. The bathroom offers both privacy and intimacy (full bath with glass wall open to the bedroom”

“Room Fantastic”
April 2012

“Such a nice hotel, room with smart glass bathroom and balcony is amazing”

“Wow Weeeeeeee Impressed”
April 2012

“We highly recommend this Hotel. The creme de la Creme was definetly the shower with the instant frosted Glass at the press of a switch. It was wicked!”

“Great Hotel in Fantastic Location”
March 2012

“Our room had a huge bedroom and equally large bathroom and was ultra-modern and sparkling clean. The bathroom had a clear glass door and when you touched a switch on the wall the Smartglass turned opaque which was amazing (my husband played with this alll evening)”

Smart Glass windows offer a huge environmental benefit. In its “off” state, SPD SmartGlass reflects 98% of light dramatically reducing the need for air-conditioning (both the huge cost of installing it and the day-to-day cost of running it). Since smart glass is electronically operated, it can be easily controlled using a smart control system or a sunlight sensor, whether there are people inside the building or not.

According to scientists at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), windows like this could save up to 8 percent of a building’s total energy consumption; SPD SmartGlass uses only tiny amounts of electricity to switch from dark to light making a huge net energy saving overall. Other benefits of smart windows include privacy at the flick of a switch (no more fumbling around with clumsy, dusty curtains and blinds), convenience (automatically darkening windows saving your upholstery and pictures from fading), and efficiency (electrically operated curtains are notoriously unreliable).

Furthermore, wouldnt you rather enjoy a floor to ceiling panoramic view with no obstructions such as blinds, shutters or curtains?

Visit our projects section here

Let Light In With SmartGlass…

Light is becoming a very important design element for home and office buildings. Studies show that when people live and work in a well lit environment, they are happier, healthier and more productive.

Today, day lighting is an international trend. Natural light lifts spirits, makes spaces appear larger and lessens demands on electricity, an important factor in today’s energy – conscious world. Natural light also has been shown to reduce eyestrain, increase productivity and even decrease absenteeism in the workplace. People function better in light filled environments.

                                           Lighting for all workers has long been a concern in many European countries. These ideas are making their ways westwards, reinforced by data showing that the rewards can extend beyond aesthetics to affect the company’s productivity and bottom line.

LC SmartGlass when switched “On” allows 76% light transmission & when switched “Off” allows 67%.

LC SmartGlass provides efficient utilization of space for office interiors, offering instant privacy on demand at the flick of a switch. LC SmartGlass provides simple, instantaneous and reversible states of transparency with no alteration of light level making it an ideal solution for office interiors where ample lighting is fundamental.

The quality and simplicity of LC SmartGlass provides the ideal environment of privacy for office interiors and conference rooms.

LC SmartGlass can create small subdivisions of office spaces delivering instant privacy to carry out important meetings and presentations, without distractions from onlookers, and co-workers eliminating the “goldfish bowl” effect.

LC SmartGlass offers a sleek, sophisticated interior solution eliminating the need for curtains/blinds which can look dated and unpleasant.

Project Qatar 2012 kicks off today at the Doha Exhibition Centre…

Project Qatar is now established as Qatar’s most important exhibition for highlighting the latest products and services needed for Qatari’s fast growing construction sector and has become a destination of choice for regional and international industry professionals. The show provides a unique and dynamic platform for buyers and suppliers to make contacts and drive future developments in Qatar’s multi- billion construction sector.

SmartGlass International will showcase LC SmartGlass at this years event so please visit our stand in Hall no. 5 booth X75 where you can see SmartGlass in action and speak to a member of our team.

Download event brochure here