William Harvey Hospital

Johnstone�s has once again displayed its commitment to providing hospitals with hygienic interior solutions after its anti-bacterial paint range, Microbarr, was used in two operating theatres at the William Harvey Hospital in Kent.

The Microbarr range was selected for the project due to its cutting-edge anti-bacterial qualities that have been developed using proven silver ion technology.

Microbarr is the only paint on the market to have been tested to the stringent Japanese industry tests (JIS Z 2801), with the results showing that 99.9 per cent of bacteria was eradicated within 18 hours where it was used on walls and other surfaces.

Just one of the myriad benefits that this technology offers is protection against over 150 strains of bacteria, including those that can lead to ‘superbugs’ like MRSA and E. coli.

Specification Development Manager at Johnstone’s, Tim Brightwell, along with Territory Manager Rob Fillery were both instrumental in the success of the project.

Tim said: “The operating theatre walls were previously coated in an unknown poly-plastic glossy finish which would mean it would be hard to adhere to. The Johnstone’s technical specification team specified Johnstone’s Multi Surface Primer and two coatings of Microbarr Acrylic Eggshell as our concern was getting something to stick to the surface. It’s been a really successful project and is testament to the work we carry out that we won the contract originally when we were faced with some stiff competition.”

The original brief was to paint the hospital’s two main operating theatres, but the project was so successful that they are now ready to paint a further five operating theatres, as well as a string of support rooms at the hospital.

Unlike other anti-bacterial coatings that use chemicals to inhibit bacterial growth, the silver ions in Microbarr safely and effectively prevent bacteria from multiplying.

As this advanced level of protection can’t be removed through washing or wiping, the coating is durable enough to withstand even the most rigorous of cleaning regimes.

Johnstone’s Microbarr gives excellent adhesion over suitably prepared wood, metal, wall and ceilings, although for more difficult substrates Johnstone’s has a full range of primers to help out. Both tough and highly durable, the range contains a fungicide and an algaecide to inhibit algal and fungal growth.