Jimmy O’Keefe and his wife Helen own and run the Borris Lodge Nursing Home in Co. Carlow. In a recent interview with JLA, Jimmy explained why OTEX is key to maintaining the highest levels of hygiene.
JLA: Why did you choose JLA?
Jimmy: I had completed some research, and was interested and intrigued with the OTEX and the ozone process. The scientific articles made sense to me and the process was soundly based on scientific data.
JLA: Did you have any on-premise laundry equipment previously?
Jimmy: We did have laundry equipment on-site but it was of domestic, semi-commercial character. We only processed residents’ personal laundry, sheets and towels – other linen was supplied by an outside contractor. At the time we had 32 beds and this outsourcing was costing us around €15,000 per annum.
JLA: Why did you opt for OTEX machines in particular?
Jimmy: We increased our capacity to 52 beds and had made provisions for an in-house laundry to cater for a larger number of residents. Because of my previous research on JLA and the OTEX process, I was happy to proceed with the its specification for my laundry requirements.
The alternative was to keep using our domestic machines or continue outsourcing. In relation to resident’s personal laundry, outsourcing was not an option, so we opted to implement our own state-of-the-art laundry facility and JLA came up with the ideal solution. Installation and training was conducted without any fuss and the transition to our own in house laundry was smooth and simple. Since we upgraded, we do about 14 loads per 24 hour period (7 loads per machine/24 hours) and can be sure that each and every item we wash is completely disinfected.
MRSA infection in our nursing home has been significantly reduced, if not eradicated due to our OTEX laundry system since 2008 – it is standard practice for all acute care facilities to swab for MRSA on admission all residents from Nursing Homes in Ireland, and any of our residents who have been re-admitted to such have been MRSA negative.
I know that the OTEX process and validation system has also been praised by H.I.Q.A (The Health Information and Quality Authority). This is the independent inspectorate in Ireland for Nursing Homes, and is the equivalent of the C.Q.C (Care Quality Commission) in England.
JLA: Are you seeing savings on energy bills, etc?
Jimmy: Our energy bills have reduced significantly and cost up to 50% less than comparable Nursing Homes.
JLA: How are you finding Total Care?
Jimmy: Engineering back up is top-class and JLA have always resolved any problems. Total Care is very good value, and I have always recommended it to my colleagues. With everything included from the machines themselves to the breakdown cover and support I receive, it is the only way to go in my opinion. My experience with JLA has been one of total satisfaction and partnership. They have listened to my requirements, advised in relation to these requirements, and provided the service and equipment to meet our specific needs.