New uniform standard, sterilization tool adopted in surgical center

CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (March 31, 2011) – According to the Center for Healthcare Worker Safety, health care professionals are exposed to blood and bodily fluids an average of 56.5 times each year. It’s not surprising that, in a recent study, health care workers ranked protection against exposure to blood and bodily fluids as a top concern and the most important characteristic in medical apparel.

A commitment to ongoing improvement in employee and patient safety is a fundamental focus for all health care facilities. As part of its ongoing effort, Coral Springs Surgical Center is updating its safety standards in a new partnership with Custom Linen Solutions, an Orlando-based distributor of textiles and uniforms for the health care industry. The partnership provides Coral Springs with Vestex™ uniforms – the innovative, high-performance medical apparel that provides effective, comfortable fluid barrier protection for health care workers.

“We are committed to using the latest technology to maintain the safety of our workers and patients,” said Randy L. Huffman, RN, MSA, CMPE, administrator for Coral Springs Surgical Center. “Our partnership with Custom Linen Solutions and Vestex furthers our ability to provide friendly, highly responsive and attentive service.”

Vestex high-performance medical work wear, developed by Orlando-based Vestagen Technical Textiles, provide comfortable fluid barrier protection for health care workers. Vestex uses exclusively licensed and patented technology to repel blood and bodily fluids, and contains an antimicrobial that protects the fabric from degradation due to microorganisms. In addition, Vestex is breathable, perspiration-wicking and naturally self-cleaning, helping to keep medical personnel clean, cool and dry.

“Because Vestex provides both comfort and safety in work wear, health care workers can feel confident about putting more focus on what matters most – taking care of patients,” said Craig Mayo, president and CEO of Custom Linen Solutions.

Earlier this year, Coral Springs implemented another measure to safeguard patient and health care worker safety. “The STERRAD® NX sterilization system is the fastest low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer available for medical instruments,” said Huffman. The STERRAD® sterilization system from Advanced Sterilization Products, provides speed, safety and simplicity in the sterilization process.

About Coral Springs Surgical Center
Coral Springs Surgical Center is a free-standing, partnership owned, multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center located in Coral Springs, Fla.  With continued advancements in facility operations, patient care and organizational management techniques, Coral Springs is a more convenient, cost-effective and flexible alternative to hospital based surgery for both surgeons and their patients. The Center uses only the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation in all of its OR suites. A physician and patient friendly organization, the Center prides itself on fast and efficient turn-around times.

The partnership consists of 23 Limited Partners and a nationally known management company, National Surgical Care.  For more information, please contact Randy Huffman, randy.huffman@coralspringsasc.com.

About Custom Linen Solutions
Orlando-based Custom Linen Solutions provides linen, textile and uniform rental exclusively for the health care industry. Established in 1993, the company focuses on outpatient care and offers high quality, hygienically processed, technologically advanced uniforms and textiles. To learn more about Custom Linen Solutions’ rental programs for the health care industry, call 1-855-LinenMD (546-3663) or visit its website, www.customlinensolutions.com.

To learn more about Vestagen’s engineered medical uniforms, visitwww.vestexprotects.com.