3 weeks ago

Nasal laser treatment rolled out after trial

Patient undergoing treatment with Steriwave

By Rachel Russell

BBC News

Patients in West Yorkshire have become the first in the country to access a new pre-surgery laser treatment, following a successful trial.

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has started to roll out Steriwave on those coming in for hip and knee surgery.

The treatment involves a probe shining a red light into patients' nostrils to kill off bacteria which cause surgical site infections.

Dr Stuart Bond called it an "important new technology".

"We are very excited to be the first Trust to be giving patients access to this important new technology which kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi with a five-minute treatment," Dr Bond, a consultant antimicrobial pharmacist and director of innovation, said.

The treatment was rolled out following a successful trial at Pontefract Hospital last year, with the aim of helping to prevent patients getting infections during surgery.

The NHS has previously said it hopes it could be an alternative to nasal antibiotics, which are currently given to patients before their surgery to prevent infections such as MRSA.

Carolyn Cross, chief executive officer at Ondine Biomedical, said: "We are delighted the Trust has adopted Steriwave, particularly as the NHS is seen around the world as a leader in antibiotic stewardship in response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance."