An 18 month trial to establish whether copper surfaces kill MRSA and other hospital acquired infections is to be launched this month.

The trials come following laboratory tests at Southampton University which established that the natural antimicrobial properties of copper and copper alloys dramatically reduce the presence of MRSA compared to stainless steel.

Selly Oak hospital, part of the University Hospital Birmingham, has been chosen to run the Copper Clinical Trials. Because 80% of MRSA transmission is through surface contacts, stainless steel door handles and push plates are being replaces by copper, along with bathroom taps, toilet flush handles and grab rails. Even pens used by staff will be a high-copper brass. A similar ward next door will retain its traditional metal fittings and act as a control in the experiment.

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Building Sustainable Design