The shadow health minister for the UK, Andy Burnham, has shown his support for new lighting technology developed in Atherton that helps NHS Trusts prevent deadly superbugs.
The Labour MP for Leigh met with employees at LED lighting manufacturers MHA Lighting to learn more about how their lighting is helping in the fight against hospital acquired infections. MHA Lighting's patented LED technology has been designed as a fully sealed unit to stop dust, bacteria and dead insects from gathering around warm light fittings and spreading superbugs.
The LED's 60,000 hour life span (seven years) also eradicates the needs for routine maintenance and bulb replacement which again stops harmful bacteria from being distributed into wards and theatres. The LED lights burn just 20% of the energy of the traditional fluorescents they replace – slashing Co2 emissions and energy bills by 80%.
"Energy efficient lighting helps save the NHS money and reduces a Trust's carbon footprint," said Mr Burnham. "Most importantly the money saved can be directly ploughed back into frontline patient services.
"Trusts are always seeking ways to free up money for clinical care and the battle against superbugs is continuous. MHA Lighting seems to be in possession of a product that can help the NHS on both these fronts. "I am extremely proud that MHA Lighting has designed, developed and manufactured this unique LED technology in Atherton and its healthcare application poses a massive opportunity for the company."
Mr Burnham also heard that the Atherton-based company had achieved 500% growth in 2011 and had recruited 36 employees from the local area in the last two years. MHA Lighting has also appointed its first apprentice, with a further three to be recruited over the next three months.