Infection prevention remains one of the NHS’s most vital defences against avoidable harm and at the heart of it lies an often-overlooked element: high-touch surfaces.
From bed rails and nurse call buttons to door handles and medical equipment, high-touch areas are exactly that, surfaces frequently touched by multiple people throughout the day. In busy healthcare environments, they can become silent carriers of harmful pathogens if not properly and regularly disinfected.
Why High-Touch Surfaces Matter
Evidence shows that pathogens such as MRSA, C. difficile, and norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, sometimes even weeks. When cleaning protocols don’t target these key touchpoints with the right products and frequency, the risk of cross-contamination rises significantly, especially among vulnerable patients with weakened immune systems.
“High-touch surface disinfection is not just good practice; it’s a fundamental part of infection prevention strategy,” says Richard Fell, Sales Director at Pal International. “It directly supports better patient outcomes, reduces HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections), and ultimately saves lives.”
Cost-Effective Infection Control
Infection-related incidents not only impact patient wellbeing, but place additional pressure on NHS resources. Prolonged hospital stays, antimicrobial treatments, and increased staff workload all carry a financial burden one that effective hygiene strategies can help prevent.
By focusing on high-risk touchpoints and using clinically proven, single-use disinfectant wipes or solutions, Trusts can enhance compliance, improve efficacy, and reduce the spread of harmful pathogens.
Supporting the Frontline
As a UK-based manufacturer with over 50 years of experience in infection control, Pal International works closely with NHS Trusts to ensure cleaning and disinfection protocols are both practical and effective. Our Medipal® range is developed specifically for healthcare settings, supporting staff with products that are quick to use, independently tested, and proven to deliver results.
“Infection prevention doesn’t happen by chance it happens by choice,” adds Jade Bostock. “We’re here to support that choice with evidence-based solutions that protect patients, staff, and the wider healthcare system.”
A Shared Responsibility
With healthcare environments under increasing pressure, the importance of robust cleaning protocols cannot be overstated. High-touch surface disinfection is not just a task for cleaning teams, it’s a system-wide commitment to safety, driven by leadership and supported by the right tools.
The future of patient safety depends on infection prevention. And it begins at the surface.
View our Medipal Range: Medipal – Pal International
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+44 (0) 1455 555 700
Pal International Limited, Unit 3 Mountpark, Victoria Road, Ellistown, Coalville, LE67 1FA
