Hunter Apparel Solutions & Itronik Interconnect
Uniform manufacturer Hunter Apparel Solutions, based in Derry, and technology company Itronik Interconnect from Letterkenny, have entered into a joint venture to develop a hygiene management system for healthcare institutions.
This will involve the creation of a uniform made from anti-microbial fabrics that incorporates a radio frequency identification technology (RFID) device, which will provide a continuous and nondisruptive means of monitoring compliance with hand hygiene. The system has the scope to significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA and other highly-infectious and deadly diseases in hospitals.
According to Simon Hunter, Sales Director of Hunter Apparel Solutions, this project would not have been possible without InterTradeIreland’s INNOVA programme. He said, “We are two relatively small companies and this is largely a research project. Research projects tend to be long and very costly and if we had tried to fund it from our mainstream activities, it would never have got off the ground. INNOVA has allowed us to dedicate resources to supporting this project. InterTradeIreland have facilitated the project with a package which made the costly developmental process possible. We could not have tackled such a challenging project without their specific support.”
James Bonner, Chief Executive of Itronik Interconnect says further to being introduced to INNOVA by Barry Henderson, Business Liaison Officer at the University of Ulster, he sought out Hunter Apparel Solutions.
“We have already developed a system based on radio frequency identification technology called HigenX, which involves hospital staff wearing tags to monitor where they are and how long they are in front of a wash station. This is currently being piloted in hospitals in Northern Ireland. Two companies had to be involved to develop the uniform with monitor embedded, and INNOVA has made that happen. Not only will this new system monitor handwashing, but also the temperature the garments are washed at and the number of times they’re washed.” he explains.
