DoorMate tackles COVID-19 transmission

DoorMate tool

The DoorMate device

A new device to help healthcare staff avoid contaminated surfaces has been developed at the Norwich Research Park, which is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Dr Aram Saeed, Associate Professor in Healthcare Technologies at the University of East Anglia (UEA), led the team of researchers, technicians and students that developed the DoorMate.

Dr Saeed said:

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the mood within the team has been relentless to try and find solutions to new issues. We immediately started looking at a range of key items including ventilators, ventilator valves, oxygen masks, and of course face shields.

After reading the World Health Organisation report on the modes of transmission of the virus, we also started to investigate a surface protective device.

The DoorMate has different facets that mean the user can easily open different door handles, push buttons or type on keypads and keyboards without touching any surfaces that could be contaminated.

Ergonomically shaped handle

It includes an ergonomically shaped handle for comfort and it can be attached to a lanyard.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital tested a prototype and the device has now been approved for clinical use.

UEA is offering a free licence to access design of the DoorMate to governments, research institutions and manufacturers to produce and supply the device to health and social care organisations.

Last updated: 21 January 2021

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