Children in hospital with respiratory viruses are highly vulnerable to cross-infection. The Royal College of Paediatrics 2025 guidance on caring for children with respiratory viruses recommends isolating patients with specific illnesses within a bay and advises that the air within a space should be changed six times an hour. Due to older ward layouts and building constraints, this cannot be achieved in the children’s wards at Basingstoke and Winchester Hospitals, increasing infection risk for already vulnerable children.
These air filtration units continuously filter and clean the air within each bay, removing airborne viruses and bacteria before recirculating safer, cleaner air. Nine units would be used across four clinical areas in Winchester and Basingstoke Hospital children’s wards.
These will significantly lower the risk of cross infection, (and the general spread of infection), and offer safer care and better outcomes for the 2,500 children treated in HHFT hospitals with respiratory viruses each year. Cross infections cause patients to remain in hospital longer so the equipment will ease pressure on beds. Improved air quality will also reduce staff sickness and absence. All of this will save NHS money for the paediatric departments at these hospitals, allowing paediatric teams to focus care and resources where it is needed most.
Key Benefits
- Reduced risk of cross-infection
- Protects vulnerable children
- Reduces staff sickness – Helps maintain workforce resilience
- Supports National Guidance – Helps meet recommended air circulation standards