GB2458118A

GB2458118A - An alarm or door lock that is responsive to a hygiene operation

Info

Publication number: GB2458118A
Application number: GB0803988A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Egan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-04
Filing date: 2008-03-04
Publication date: 2009-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-04
Also published as: GB0803988D0; GB2458118B; GB2458118B8

Abstract

An alarm or door lock is responsive to a hygiene operation (e.g. the washing, cleaning of hands). Access to or from a given location via a door may be controlled in response to receiving a signal that a hygiene operation has been initiated or perform. A signal from a alcohol/soap dispenser may be used to unlock a magnetic lock associated with the door. An alarm may be sounded in response to a user opening a door if a hygiene operation has not been signaled. An alarm may be sounded if the door is opened by the signal has not been received from for example and alcohol/soap dispenser. The apparatus is useful in reducing contamination, or the spread or risk thereof, especially in hospitals, clean rooms, toilets, washrooms.

Description

1 2458118 Access Control The present invention relates, inter alia, to the control andior prevention of infections; or of the spread thereof.

The problem of the spread of infections due to poor or inadequate hygiene procedures is well known and is long-standing.

This is a particular problem in hospitals, where patients can be in close confinement and where infections can be spread by person to person contact, e.g. via staff or visitors.

Over recent years decades the problem of hospital acquired infections has received a great deal of publicity. In particular, there have been numerous cases of infections with organisms that are resistant to many known antibiotics and are therefore difficult to control or eradicate.

These organisms include C. d/JIcile and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

(This is also known as Multiple Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and is generally abbreviated to M.R.S.A.) C. dffIcile is a commensal bacterium that is found naturally in a minority of the population.

Patients who have been staying long-term in a hospital or a nursing home have a higher likelihood of being colonized by this bacterium at significant levels than does the general population.

In small numbers it does not usually result in disease of any significance. Indeed people carrying it may be largely asymptomatic However, antibiotics, especially those with a broad spectrum of activity, can cause disruption of normal intestinal flora, leading to an overgrowth of C. dfficile. Because the organism forms heat-resistant spores, it can remain in the hospital or nursing home environment for long periods of time. Indeed, once established it can often be cultured from almost any surface.

MRSA was discovered in the UK in 1961. It has evolved resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins Patients in hospitals are at significantly greater risk of infection with both C. djfficile and MRSA than the general public.

This is for a number of reasons.

One reason is that antibiotics are often used in hospitals and can select for antibiotic resistant organism such as C. dfJicile and MRSA.

A further reason is that patients are generally more prone to infection than the general public. They may have open wounds, invasive devices, weakened immune systems, etc. Furthermore the proportion of very young or very old individuals is generally much higher amongst hospital patients than amongst the general population and such individuals are anyway usually more prone to infection than are typical healthy adults.

Another reason is that hospital patients are often located in proximity to other to individuals with potentially infectious organisms. Infections can be easily spread by person-to-person contact, e.g. via staff moving between different patients, by visitors or by patients themselves.

Various infection control measures have been attempted in to try to deal with the problem.

For example alcohol rub stations have been introduced at various strategic locations (e.g. doors leading to hospital wards, next to patient beds etc.) There is however a major technical problem in ensuring that hygiene operations are actually performed.

Even though prominent notices are often provided requesting that staff, visitors and patients alike not only clean their own hands, but check that others do so, many people are reluctant to approach others especially if the other person is perceived to be in a position of authority (e.g. a nurse, a doctor or a hospital consultant).

A further difficulty is that very large numbers of people pass through hospital wards and at least a proportion of these may be irresponsible, lazy or ignorant. It only takes one person not to adopt proper hygiene procedures in order for serious infections to be spread.

Another reason for non-compliance is that some people may incorrectly consider it to be sufficient if they have cleaned their hands earlier in the day and may therefore seek to avoid cleaning their hands at regular intervals.

It is of course possible for hospital staff to be periodically deployed to check that others clean their hands. However this can be expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore it usually involves and audit trail, which can be very bureaucratic, consuming additional time and resources. Another problem is that checking procedures are frequently obvious.

Thus, during a period whilst checks are being performed, compliance may be much greater than normal because people know they are being watched. However, afterwards, people who do not frequently clean their hands may revert to their previous behaviour.

A further problem is that checks by other members of staff can cause resentment amongst colleagues, who may feel that they are being spied upon Thus despite the widespread and long-standing problem of hospital infections due to inadequate hygiene checking procedures, there still no satisfactory solution for improving compliance. This is despite very large resources being devoted to the problem by health departments worldwide.

Recently the UK Government has called for "deep clean" procedures to be adopted, whereby hospital surfaces are cleaned in an extremely thorough manner. However these procedures are very expensive, disruptive and time consuming to implement and will only be effective for a temporary period unless effective hygiene procedures are consistently followed following deep cleaning.

The present inventor has now devised a surprising elegant way of improving compliance with hygiene procedures and thereby reducing the risk of hospital acquired infections/the likelihood of such infections being spread.

This approach is not only useful in hospitals, but also in many other areas where it is desirable for good hygiene procedures to be implemented.

Apparatus for controlling access to and/or exit from a given location via at least one door; wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a device that provides a signal that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed; and b) a releasable lock for said door that is arranged to be released in response to said signal, or an alarm that is actuated when said door is opened unless said signal is provided.

The term "apparatus" is used herein to include a plurality of functionally linked components, even if they may be spaced aparL Thus it includes what are sometimes known as "systems".

It can be regarded as a hygiene access control system (abbreviated to "H.A.C.S.") The apparatus may be provided de novo. Alternatively, it may be provided by modifying an existing system and may therefore take advantage of one or more existing components (e.g. existing dispensers, existing electromagnetic locks, etc., as discussed later), as will be discussed later.

The "hygiene operation" is preferably the cleaning of hands. For example, it may be use a cleansing agent The cleansing agent may for example comprise alcohol, an antiseptic, a disinfectant or any other sanitising agent that kills/reduces the quantity or viability of pathogens. It may simply comprise a soap.

It may be in any appropriate form, e.g. a rub, a gel, a slid, a foam or a wipe.

If desired, a material may be impregnated or coated with the cleansing agent. The material may be disposable (e.g. it may be a disposable towel or fabric). It may be provided initially in a sealed package. For example, it may be provided in a sachet that can be torn open so that the contents can be then utilised and the opened sachet can be disposed of.

Preferably, the signal is actuated by the operation of a dispenser. Typically a dispenser is operated by pushing, pressing or activating in another way, a movable part thereof so as to release a given amount of a substance to be dispensed or a package containing said substance.

Operation of the dispenser may, for example, break a circuit or complete a circuit that is built into the dispenser and this may cause the signal to be transmitted.

Operation may trigger a switch or device that causes the signal to be sent. For example pressing a dispenser may also cause a switch or device to be triggered that sends a wireless signal to an appropriately positioned receiver. Many different alternatives are possible, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the field of access controlling systems.

The dispenser may dispense one or more of the cleansing agents described earlier in any desired form. It may even dispense a package containing such a cleansing agent (e.g. an alcohol impregnated towel, or a soap may be dispensed in a sealed foil package).

A wide range of existing mechanical dispensers are known in the art. They include for example dispensers of the type disclosed in US Patent No 5,445,288 and US Patent No 6,082,586. Many other dispensers are known. Existing dispensers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes but all can all be modified for use in the present invention by incorporating a device that transmits a signal when the dispenser is operated.

Whatever the nature of the apparatus of the present invention, it is preferred that it is operably connected to at least one door. For example, it may be operably linked to a door that controls access to a ward! exit from a ward.

The system is therefore actuated well before a person can come into contact a patient or even into close proximity with a patient. It is therefore very different for example from the system disclosed in published patent application number US 2008/0001763. This patent application relies on a system where detectors are positioned at locations where patients are actually located ("patient stations") and can send alarms if there is an indication via a personnel tag that a member of personnel has not accessed a hand decontamination station before presence at a patient station. The patient stations are said to be beds, procedures tables, examination tables or any other locations where interactions occur between patients and healthcare workers.

The system described in US 2008/0001763 is said to be useful in generating reports of compliance rates. Of course, although such reports can be useful (e.g. for taking disciplinary action), they will be of little consolation to a patient who has been infected by an infection carried by a person who has reached a patient station without first washing their hands.

There is also nothing in US 2008/0001763 disclosing operably linking the system with a door or other means of access control.

Furthermore, in order to protect all patients in a ward, each "patient station" disclosed in US 2008/0001763 would need to be provided with an appropriate sensor and alarm, significantly increasing the cost and complexity of the system.

The present invention is also very different from the invention disclosed in published patent application number US 2008/0021779. This is entitled "Entertaining or Advertising hygiene apparatus" and is intended to reward a user based upon usage of the hygiene apparatus. If people are in a hurry and/or are not interested in obtaining a "reward" (which may simply be a trivia question or a joke), then this system provides no significant advance over traditional soap dispensers. In any event, unlike the present invention, the system described in US 2008/0021779 provides no safeguard against people entering wards or other sensitive areas without first cleaning their hands. There is nothing in US 2008/0021779 disclosing operably linking the system with a door or other means of access control.

Of course, the apparatus of the present invention need not only be operably connected to a single door.

It may be operably connected to a plurality of doors (e.g. to successive doors leading to a ward, or to a double door).

If desired, two devices for transmitting a signal may be provided and may be operably linked to a door.

For example, a lock or alarm of the door may be operably linked to two dispensers each comprising a device for signalling that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed.

One of the dispensers may be situated on a wall located at one side of the door (allowing the entry to the given location, e.g. to a hospital ward) and the other may be situated on a wall situated at the other side of the door (allowing exit from the given location e.g. from a hospital ward, or from a high dependency unit).

This embodiment of the invention is useful if it is intended that individuals clean their hands both on entry to and on exit from the particular location. This can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting and of spreading contamination with dangerous microorganisms or substances.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to use in hospital wards or other medical institutions, although it is highly preferred for such a use.

It can be used to control access to and/or exit from any environment where potentially infectious micro-organisms or potentially dangerous materials may be present, or may be introduced and/or spread.

For example it may be used to control access to and/or exit from laboratories or to parts thereof (e.g. to a part of a laboratory dealing with dangerous pathogens or materials).

It may be used to control access to and/or exit from nursing homes or parts thereof.

It may be used to control access to and/or exit from locations where there is a risk of spreading radioactive materials (e.g. nuclear power plants).

It may be used to control access to and/or exit from clean rooms, where it is desired to minimise contamination to products that are being made. Clean rooms are used in various industries. These include the aerospace, micro-electronics and pharmaceutical industries, for

example.

The present invention can even be used in toilets or wash rooms. It may be used to prevent or deter people from leaving until they have cleaned their hands.

For example, an alarm may sound if someone seeks to leave a wash room/w.c. without a signal having been provided that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed. Alternatively a lock may be provided that is releasable in response to said signal.

A similar system may even be installed in a domestic environment. For example it may be installed at home to encourage children to wash their hands.

It may be installed in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, leisure environments, etc. Indeed it can provide significant benefits in reducing infections or the spread thereof in any environment where large numbers of people are likely to pass through/congregate.

In a further alternative, the apparatus may be used to control access to and/or exit from a food preparation area. For example it may be used to ensure that staff wash their hands before preparing food. It may also be used to ensure that staff wash their hands following contact with food (especially following contact with certain foods, such as meat, fish, etc., where there can be a significant risk of cross contamination with pathogens). Thus the invention is useful in restaurants, cafeterias, canteens, fast food outlets, etc. There are many other applications where the apparatus can be utilised and the examples here are not exhaustive.

In some instances it may be desired for the apparatus to provide a time delay before access to and/or exit from a given location is allowed.

For example, it may be determined that a time delay of at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 etc. seconds should be provided to allow sufficient time for washing of hands.

Longer time delays may be utilised in certain environments (e.g. when surgical staff are required to scrub up thoroughly by intensive washing prior to surgery).

An adjustable time delay may even be provided so that the owner / client can pre-program a desired time delay.

It can however also be desirable for the apparatus to include an override system.

This may, for example, allow the system to be overridden by one or more individuals. Thus, for example certain individuals may be provided with a pass that allows then to override the system.

The pass may for example be in the form of a swipe card, an electronic tag, a radiotransmitter, etc, that can be used to signal that the person is authorised to pass through a door without a signal that the hygiene operation has been performed.

Another alternative is to have a key pad with a code that allows individuals who have been informed of the code to over-ride the system.

Many other alternatives are possible. For example recognition systems (e.g. face recognition, finger-print recognition or iris recognition systems) may be used to recognise certain individuals who are permitted to by-pass the system, and the apparatus can be integrated into these.

Such a system is useful for example in allowing key staff fast access to a patient in a hospital. Thus, for example a consultant may be allowed to override the system.

As indicated earlier, the apparatus can be integrated into an existing access control system.

Many hospitals already have such systems in place, although they do not monitor whether or not a hygiene operation has been performed.

In secure areas the existing secure access control system (e.g. staff card swipes, fobs, tags, biometric readers etc.) can be complimented by the apparatus of the present invention, thereby avoiding any reduction of existing levels of security. Thus, for example, a member of staff may be required to use an existing card swipe in addition to performing a hygiene operation before being allowed access to a given location.

An override system can of course also be provided that allows general access in an emergency situation or a high priority situation. This may for example be triggered by a fire alarm or another alarm (e.g. an emergency alarm in respect of a given patient, a general evacuation alarm).

Here the apparatus of the present invention may be operably linked with one or more alarms that indicate that there is an emergency or high priority situation.

In addition to the apparatus per Se, the present invention is also available in various kits.

For example, a kit may comprise a device for generating a signal that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed and may also comprise means for transmitting that signal so as to allow access to a given location by releasing a releasable lock or by deactivating an alarm that would otherwise be activated on access to said location.

If desired, the kit may also comprise one or more releasable lock(s) that can be fitted to one or more door(s) and can be released by said signal (if appropriate, following a time delay, as discussed earlier). Preferably these are electromagnetic locks Alternatively, the kit may comprise an alarm that would normally be triggered when the door(s) is opened in the absence of said signal, but which is deactivated (at least for a short period) by said signal so as to allow a person who has performed the hygiene operation to pass through said door(s).

The kit may also comprise a device for generating a signal that a dispenser has been operated. This may be supplied as part of a new dispenser in which the device is already integrated. The dispenser may then be fitted where desired (e.g. it may be fitted to a wall that is close to the door to be used to control access or it may even be fitted to the door itself).

Alternatively, the device may be provided separately and fitted to an existing dispenser (e.g. an existing dispenser of soap or of an alcohol gel).

The signal that is transmitted by the device may be transmitted electronically via wire or may be transmitted via wireless technology (e.g. via Bluetooth technology).

Instructions for use in assembling the components of the kit into an apparatus of the invention can also be provided. Installation instructions can also be provided.

[Particular kits that can be used are described in further detail in the examples] In addition to the apparatuses and kits of the present invention, the invention also includes various methods.

One such method is a method that comprises the step of locating an apparatus of the present invention at a position so that it controls access to and/or from a given location (e.g. access to and/or exit from a hospital ward, or a part thereof).

A further method is a method of making an apparatus of the present invention, comprising assembling together the components of a kit of the present invention.

Another method is a method comprising providing an apparatus of the present invention by modifying an existing access control system or modifying an existing dispenser. The method may be preformed using one or more components of a kit of the present invention.

A still further method of the present invention is a method of controlling access to or from a given location by using an apparatus of the present invention. The method can be used to limit access generally to people who have performed a hygiene operation.

The hygiene operation can be any desired act that is likely to increase cleanliness, to reduce contamination or to reduce the risk of infection/the speared therefore.

The hygiene operation may therefore be the washing of hands, the cleaning of hands, the rubbing of hands with alcohol or an antiseptic, etc. It can also be used as a precaution before entering a clean room.

The act can be monitored and signalled in any desired manner.

The building may for example be a hospital, a laboratory, a nursing home, a location where potentially hazardous materials or microorganisms are present, a restaurant, etc. Having described the invention in general terms, it will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples, wherein: Figure 1 shows an alcohol gel based system that controls access to an entrance to a ward Figure 2 shows a non-restricted exit arrangement from the above ward Figure 3 shows an alcohol gel based system that controls access to an entrance to a ward, and another dispenser to exit the ward.

Figure 4 shows a wiring diagram for a dispenser that can be used to control entry to a hospital ward.

Figure 5 shows a wiring diagram for a dispenser that can be used to control both entry to and exit from a hospital ward.

Figure 6 shows a partial internal view of an existing dispenser that has been modified to produce a dispenser within the scope of the present invention.

Examples

Example 1

A system comprising an alcohol gel dispenser that is operably linked to a lock for a door to control access to a hospital ward, wherein the door has a standard exit arrangement As part of a program to cut down on the incidence or spread of MRSA infections, or other infections, a hospital may wish to improve its hygiene procedures.

An apparatus of the present invention can easily be installed close to a door that provides the main access point for visitors and staff entering the hospital ward. This can be used to prevent/reduce the risk of infection of patients via staff or visitors entering the ward without cleaning their hands.

In this example the apparatus includes a modified dispenser of an alcohol gel. (Although the alcohol can be of course dispensed in forms other than gel form, if desired. For example, it may be in liquid from or may be provided via a fabric impregnated with alcohol.) The dispenser is mounted at a prominent position adjacent to the entrance to the ward. A prominent sign is displayed nearby to emphasise that the dispenser must be used in order for the door to be open. (See Figure 1).

One or more releasable locks are fitted to the door and release is actuated via the operation of the dispenser, following a time delay sufficient to allow enough time for thorough rubbing of hands with the gel.

Operating the dispenser releases a quantity of gel. The dispenser comprises a "proximity switch module" and an associated "magnet", which will "make or break" a circuit wired to an "adjustable timer relay unit" in response to the operation of the dispenser. In turn, this will "make or break" the feed to one or more locks in the door. This allows a lock to be released in response to the operation of the dispenser after a pre-set time delay. If desired, an audible buzzer, light or other indicator may also be fitted to indicate when entry is allowed.

The inside of the dispenser is shown in Figure 6 (with gel removed).

To exit the ward, a button labelled "Push-to-Exit" is pressed which signals the "adjustable timer relay module" to allow exit from the ward, unit or area. This is shown in Figure 2.

An emergency break-glass unit is also provided, which, once operated, allows access through the door in emergency situations. If desired two such units can be provided, one on the exit side of the door and one on the entry side of the door.

Figure 4 shows a typical wiring diagram for the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

The apparatus is set up to dispense an alcohol gel at a location close to the door providing entry to the ward (e.g. a dispenser may be fixed to a wall close to the door).

The apparatus can be set up utilising a kit of the present invention. A typical kit for a single door could comprise the following components: Single Door Kit (Ix) a dispenser with an integrated proximity switch (N/O or N/C) (lx) a surface mag lock (lx) Z and L brackets (lx) a double-pole P.T.E. button with surface housing (Ix) an emergency break unit with surface housing (lx) a power supply unit (lx) an adjustable timer relay module The abbreviations used are Mag lock: a magnetic/electromagnetic lock NfO: normally open N/C: normally closed PTE: "press to enter" or "press to exit" Z or L: This simply indicates the shape of the brackets.

Double doors are of course also used in hospitals. A typical kit for a single door could comprise the following components: Twin Door Kit (lx) a dispenser with an integrated proximity switch (N/O or N/C) (2x) surface mag locks (2x) Z and L brackets (lx) a double-pole P.T.E. button with surface housing (ix) an emergency break unit with surface housing (lx) a power supply unit (lx) an adjustable timer relay module [The principle is exactly the same as for a single door, except extra locks would be needed for the 2 leaf of the door.] It is of course not essential to provide a complete dispenser. A dispenser may already be present and may be modified by fitting a proximity device thereto (see Figure 6 again).

This system can be used to control a wide range of infections, including the spread of MRSA.

It can also be useful for controlling C. dWIcile mediated infections. However here systems based on soap dispensers may be more effective (see Example 3).

Example 2

A system where two alcohol gel dispensers are used, with one on each side of a hospital door, so as to control access both to and from a hospital ward The system described in Example I can be easily adapted to control access iQhto and from a hospital ward in response to a hygiene operation being performed prior to entering and prior to exit respectively.

Here one dispenser is mounted at a prominent position adjacent to the entrance to a ward, a unit, or area that requires hygienic controlled access. An electric lock(s) / Magnetic Lock(s) are fitted to the door(s), and inside the ward, unit etc. this works in the same way as described in Example I and is therefore also illustrated by Figure 1.

However the key difference is that there is a further dispenser located on the exit side of the door. This system is illustrated in Figure 3 and requires hygienic controlled exit.

Again the dispenser is operably linked to a releasable lock that is timed for release at a given period after operation of the dispenser (to allow thorough rubbing of hands). Once this period has expired a person can exit the door having cleaned his/her hands using the gel.

This feature is useful in preventing/reducing the risk of spreading infections between different areas of the hospital or even outside the hospital. Again there is an "emergency break-glass unit" installed.

Example 3

A system comprising a soap dispenser that is operably linked to a lock for a door to control access to a hospital ward, wherein the door has a standard exit arrangement This system is the same as described in Example 1, apart from the fact that a soap dispenser is used and a hand basin is provided underneath the soap dispenser for washing hands.

The soap can be in any desired form (e.g. liquid, gel, powder, foam, solid, etc.).

Here the proximity switch is fitted into/is already present in the soap dispenser. Operation of the soap dispenser therefore causes the doors to unlock (after a pre-set period for thorough washing of hands).

This system is preferred for the control of C. dyjIcile -mediated infections, because there are some reports that the use of soap and water is more effective in controlling such infection than alcohol gel based systems.

It can of course also be used to control a wide range of other infections.

Example 4

A system where two soap dispensers are used, with one on each side of a hospital door, so as to control access both to andfrom a hospital ward This system is the same as described in Example 2, apart from the fact that at both the entry and exit sides of the door a soap dispenser is used, rather than an alcohol gel based dispenser, and a hand basin is provided underneath each soap dispenser for washing hands.

(Disposable towels or a dryer may also be provided.) As for Example 2, a proximity switch is fitted into/is already present in the dispenser.

Operation of the soap dispenser therefore causes the doors to unlock, after a pre-set period for thorough washing of hands.

This system is again preferred for the control of C. dfJicile mediated infections, because there are some reports that the use of soap and water is more effective in controlling such infection than alcohol gel based systems.

Once C. difficile has spread it is notoriously difficult to eradicate. Thus it is particularly advantageous here to control access both to and from a hospital ward This system can be of course also be used to control a wide range of other infections.

Example 5

Alternative system using an alarm rather than a lock Some hospitals may prefer that doors providing access to andlor entry from wards are not be locked, but may still wish to have some safeguard that people clean their hands prior to entering and/or leaving the ward.

In an alternative approach, a system is used that is identical to that of the previous examples, apart from the fact that locks are not used, but the operation of the dispenser prevents an alarm being actuated when the door is opened.

Thus people passing through the door without using the dispenser would trigger the alarm (which is normally on).

In some cases the alarm may be prominent. It may be a loud siren, a flashing light or even a recorded instruction or warning, such as "You have not cleaned your hands. Patients are in danger. Please clean your hands immediately". This can be designed to cause embarrassment and can be a powerful deterrent against future negligent action. The alarm can then switch off once the guilty person operates a dispenser.

The alarm may alternatively simply be a signal that can be acted upon. For example, it may send a signal to a ward nurse or member of security staff that a person entering the ward should be challenged to clean their hands. The signal may be sent to a bleeper, a mobile telecommunication unit, such as a mobile phone, or any other receiver. (Alternatively the noise of an alarm, a flashing light or another prominent indicator may be a prompt for the member of staff to challenge the person who has triggered the alarm.) If desired, a CCTV system or camera can be used in conjunction with the alarm to identifS' people who have not cleaned their hands. For example, the alarm may trigger a CCTV system or a camera to operate and the person may then be identified, so that appropriate action can be taken.

General comments regardin! the examples The examples are of course only illustrative and are therefore not at all limiting of the present invention.

Although the examples describe systems for controlling access to / exit from hospital wards they can of course be used in respect of controlling access to andlor from any other desired location, whether within a hospital or elsewhere.

Furthermore, the hygiene operation is not limited to washing of hands with soap or the rubbing hands with ac gel, but can be any operation that reduces contamination/infection or the risk or spread thereof. Thus the present invention has a wide number of applications.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for controlling access to and/or exit from a given location via at least one door; wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a device that provides a signal that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed; and b) a releasable lock for said door that is arranged to be released in response to said signal, or an alarm that is actuated when said door is opened unless said signal is provided.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1; wherein the hygiene operation is the cleaning of hands.
3. Apparatus according to claim I or claim 2; wherein the hygiene operation is the washing of hands.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3; wherein the hygiene operation is the washing of hands with soap and water.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2; wherein the hygiene operation is the rubbing or wiping of hands with a cleansing agent.
6 Apparatus according to claim 5; wherein the rubbing or wiping of hands is with a composition comprising alcohol or an antiseptic.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim; wherein the signal is actuated by the operation of a dispenser.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim; wherein the dispenser dispenses one or more of: a) soap b) alcohol c) an antiseptic containing composition d) a sanitiser e) material for drying and/or rubbing hands.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispenser dispenses a cleansing agent in the form of: a) a liquid; b) a gel; c) a solid or powder; d) a foam; e) a package containing any of a) to d).
10. Apparatus according to claim 1; wherein the signal is actuated by a user placing a hand or arm at a given location.
ii. Apparatus according to claim 10; wherein the signal is actuated by a user placing a hand or arm underneath tap, a dispenser or a dryer.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim; wherein said releasable lock or alarm is operably connected to at least one door.
13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 that controls access to and/or exit from an environment where infectious microorganisms or dangerous materials are present or may be present.
14. Apparatus according to any of claims ito 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a medical location or a part thereof.
15. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a medical institution or a part thereof.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a hospital ward or a part thereof.
17. Apparatus according to any of claims ito 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a nursing home or a part thereof.
18. Apparatus according to any of claims Ito 12; wherein said releasable lock or alarm controls access to and/or exit from or from a laboratory.
19. Apparatus according to any of claims ito 12; wherein said releasable lock or alarm controls access to and/or exit from a wash room or w.c.
20. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a location where radioactive materials are present.
21. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 12 that controls access to and/or exit from a food preparation area.
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim that provides a time delay before access to said location is allowed.
23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim that controls both access to and exit from said location.
24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising an override system.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24; wherein said override system provides automatic access to and/or exit from said location for one or more individuals.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25; wherein said automatic access and/or exit is controlled by a pass, by an electronic sensor or transmitter, or by using a code.
27. Apparatus according to claim 25; wherein said access and/or exit is controlled by a recognition system.
28. Apparatus according to claim 24; wherein said override system provides access and/or exit in response to one or more pre-set conditions.
29. Apparatus according to claim 25; wherein said override system provides access and/or exit in response to an emergency. j30. Apparatus according to claim 29; wherein said emergency is indicated by an alarm that is operably linked to said apparatus.31. A method comprising using an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 30 to restrict access to and/or or exit from a given location or to trigger an alarm if unauthorised access to and/or exit from said location occurs.32. The use of an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 30 for reducing the risk of infection or the spread thereof.33. The use of an apparatus according to any of claims I to 30 for reducing the risk of contamination and/or the spread thereof.34. A kit for use in making an apparatus according to any of claims I to 30; wherein said kit comprises: a) a device for generating a signal that a hygiene operation has been initiated, is being performed or has been performed and b) means for transmitting that signal so as to allow access to and/or exit from a given location or to deactivate an alarm that would otherwise be activated on access to and/or exit from said location; said kit optionally including instructions for use in assembling and/or utilising said apparatus.35. A kit according to claim 34; further comprising a lock that can be released by said device 36. A kit according to claim 34; further comprising an alarm.37. A kit according to any of claims 34 to 36; wherein said device is for generating a signal that a dispenser has been operated.38. A kit according to claim 37; wherein the kit includes a dispenser and said signal is generated when said dispenser is operatedS39. A kit according to claim 37; wherein the kit includes a device for modifying a pre-existing dispenser so that a signal can be generated when the dispenser is operated.40. A method comprising locating an apparatus according to any of claims I to 30 at a position so that it controls access to and/or exit from a given location.41. A method comprising using a kit according to any of claims 30 to 39 to provide an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to
30.42. A building or a part of a building that comprises at least one apparatus according to any of claims I to 30 43. The invention substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 7joAmendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. Apparatus that controls access to and exit from a hospital ward or a part of said hospital ward via at least one door; wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a dispenser that dispenses one or more of soap, alcohol, an antiseptic, or another cleansing or sanitising agent and that includes within it a switch or device for providing a signal that it has been operated; and b) a releasable lock for said door that is arranged to be automatically released in response to said signal in order to allow said access or exit.2. Apparatus according to claim 1.; wherein the hygiene operation is the cleaning of hands.3. Apparatus according to claim I or claim 2; wherein the hygiene operation is the washing of hands.4. Apparatus according to claim 3; wherein the hygiene operation is the washing of hands with soap and water.5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2; wherein the hygiene operation is the rubbing or wiping of hands with a cleansing agent.6 Apparatus according to claim 5; wherein the rubbing or wiping of hands is with a composition comprising alcohol or an antiseptic.* : : 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispenser dispenses a cleansing agent in the form of: I..a) a liquid; b) a gel; c) a solid or powder; d)afoam; e) a package containing any of a) to d).8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim that provides a time delay before said access or exit is allowed.9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising an override system.10. Apparatus according to claim 9; wherein said override system provides automatic access to and/or exit from said location for one or more individuals.11. Apparatus according to claim 10; wherein said automatic access and/or exit is controlled by a pass, by an electronic sensor or transmitter, or by using a code.12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11; wherein said access and/or exit is controlled by a recognition system.13. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12; wherein said override system provides access and/or exit in response to one or more pre-set conditions.14. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13; wherein said override system provides access and/or exit in response to an emergency.15. Apparatus according to claim 16; wherein said emergency is indicated by an alarm that is operably linked to said apparatus.16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim that controls both access to and exit from a hospital ward or a part of said hospital ward via at least one door; wherein the apparatus comprises: * : : :. a) a first dispenser that controls said access and a second dispenser that controls said * exit; wherein each dispenser dispenses one or more of soap, alcohol, an antiseptic, or another cleansing or sanitising agent; and each dispenser also includes within it a switch :. or device for providing a signal that the dispenser has been operated; and b) a releasable lock for said door that is arranged to be automatically released in **.: response to said signal in order to allow said access or exit.17. A method comprising using an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16 to restrict access to and exit from a hospital ward or a part thereof to one or more persons who have operated said dispenser.18. The use of an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16 to reduce the risk of infection or the spread thereof.19. The use of an apparatus according to any of claims Ito 16 to reduce the risk of contamination and/or the spread thereof.20. A method comprising locating an apparatus according to any of claims I to 16 so that it controls access to and exit from a hospital ward or a part thereof.21. A hospital ward or a part thereof; wherein access thereto and access therefrom are controlled via an apparatus according to any of claims I to 16.22. The invention substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or examples. I... * S. S 55* * C* (ti. * a. * S * *55S S. * * *5 a IS