Reading Hospital announced today that Reading Hospital Foundation and The Friends of Reading Hospital (The Friends) have each donated a THOR UVC disinfection robot to the Hospital. Each device costs approximately $50,000.
Tower Health announced the deployment of the UVC disinfection robots at each of its hospitals in early June. The Finsen Technologies THOR® UVC robot delivers a fast and effective germicidal dose of continuous wave UVC energy floor to ceiling, killing germs and pathogens, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The use of UV light will enhance the rigorous cleaning processes in place to further ensure that Tower Health facilities, including Reading Hospital, are safe for patients, visitors, front line caregivers, and all employees.
"We want to help ease patient concerns about the spread of COVID-19 as they come back to the hospital campus for their care," said Katherine Thornton, President, Reading Hospital Foundation. "To be able to underwrite the cost for a device that will keep patients and employees healthy as we continue to navigate this crisis was important to the Foundation."
The device can be used throughout the hospitals, but at Reading Hospital will focus on:
- COVID-19 patient units
- Emergency Department
- Perioperative suites where a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient has undergone surgery
- Intensive Care Units, Progressive Care Units, and Transitional Care Units
"The safety of our patients and team members is paramount," said Brian Lahmann, MD, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine at Reading Hospital. "The generosity of the Reading Hospital Foundation and The Friends to provide two of the UV robots ensures our facility can continue to safely treat patients without the concern of the spread of COVID-19."
Lucine Sihelnik, President, The Friends of Reading Hospital, added, "The Friends are committed to funding projects that make an impact on the hospital, the patients, and our community. We are proud to provide a technology that will protect front line employees and their patients now, against COVID-19, and well into the future."
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.