WO2017068566A1

WO2017068566A1 - A bag and a bedpan sanitary bag, and a method for minimising aerosolisation of pathogens from human excrement

Info

Publication number: WO2017068566A1
Application number: PCT/IE2016/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Malone
Original assignee: Cmc Hygea Limited
Priority date: 2015-10-22
Filing date: 2016-10-24
Publication date: 2017-04-27

Abstract

A bedpan sanitary bag (1) comprising a first bag portion (10) defining a first compartment (11) for accommodating a bedpan (3), and a second bag portion (13) secured to the first bag portion (10) and defining a second compartment (14) for human excrement, for example, urine and/or faeces. Portions (8), (26) and (27) of the first and second bag portions (10) and (13) are configurable for lining a well (28) of the bedpan (3) when the bedpan (3) is located in the first compartment (11) with the first compartment (11) closed by pulling a first drawstring (20). The bedpan (3) in the first bag portion (10) with the portions (8), (26) and (27) lining the well (28) is presented to a subject. After urinating and/or defecating into the lined portion of the well (28) of the bedpan (3), the second bag portion (13) is pulled upwardly to enclose the human excrement in the second compartment (14) of the second bag portion (13) and the second bag portion (13) is closed by pulling a second drawstring (23).

Description

"A bag and a bedpan sanitary bag, and a method for minimising aerosolisation

of pathogens from human excrement"

The present invention relates to a bedpan sanitary bag, and the invention also relates to a method for minimising aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from human excrement in a bedpan, which human excrement may be faeces or urine or both, and throughout this specification and the claims herein, the term excrement is used to mean either or both faeces and urine, and may also be used to mean other body fluids such, for example, as sputum or vomit. Bedpans are commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes for bedridden patients, in order to allow a patient to urinate or defecate without having to leave his or her bed. After use, the bedpan is removed by a nurse or a carer from the patient, and the nurse or carer carries the used bedpan to either a disinfectant washer, or to a used bedpan storing station where used bedpans are stored for subsequent transfer to the disinfectant washer. In general, faeces in a used bedpan may be covered by tissue paper, and more often than not urine remains in a used bedpan uncovered. While a used bedpan is being carried by a nurse or carer to the disinfectant washer or to. the used bedpan storing station, and additionally, while a used bedpan is stored in the used bedpan storing station, and furthermore, while a used bedpan is being subsequently transferred to the disinfectant washer, pathogens and odours, and in particular pathogens can become aerosolised, which in turn leads to the spread of infections and viruses both to patients, and indeed to nurses, carers, doctors and other hospital staff. Additionally, the handling of used bedpans by a nurse or carer, or by any other persons, also leads to the aerosolisation of pathogens, thus leading to the spread of infections and viruses. Accordingly, the aerosolisation of pathogens from used bedpans is undesirable. The aerosolisation of odours from a used bedpan are, in general, also objectionable. There is therefore a need for a bedpan sanitary bag and a method for minimising the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from human excrement in a bedpan.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a bedpan sanitary bag and to a method for minimising the aerosolisation of pathogens from human excrement in a bedpan. The invention is also directed towards a method and a bag for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement.

According to the invention there is provided a bedpan sanitary bag comprising a first bag portion defining a first compartment for accommodating a bedpan therein, and a first open mouth to the first compartment for accommodating the bedpan into the first compartment, a second bag portion secured to the first bag portion, the second bag portion defining a second compartment for accommodating human excrement, the second compartment being sealably isolated from the first compartment and defining a second open mouth to the second compartment, a portion of the second bag portion being configured to extend into a well of the bedpan to line the well thereof, a first closing means in the first bag portion for closing the first open mouth, and a second closing means in the second bag portion for closing the second open mouth.

In one aspect of the invention a portion of the first bag portion is configured to extend into the well of the bedpan to line the well thereof.

In another aspect of the invention the second bag portion is configured to be turned inside out to accommodate the first bag portion therein in the inside out state.

Preferably, the second bag portion is sized to accommodate therein, in the inside out state, the first bag portion with the bedpan in the first compartment thereof. Advantageously, the second open mouth to the second compartment of the. second bag portion is sized to accommodate the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof into the second, bag portion in the inside out state.

In one aspect of the invention the second bag portion is configured so that in the inside out state when the portion of the second bag portion is located in the well of the bedpan, the first bag portion with the bedpan in the first compartment thereof is located in the second bag portion.

Preferably, the first and second bag portions are configured so that when the portions of the first and second bag portions are located in the well of the bedpan, the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof are located within the second bag portion in the inside out state.

Advantageously, the portion of the second bag portion which is configured to extend into the well of the bedpan is configured to substantially line the well of the bedpan. Preferably, the portions of the first and second bag portions which are configured to extend into the well of the bedpan are configured to substantially fully line the well of the bedpan.

In one aspect of the invention at least a part of the portions of the first and second bag portions which are configured to extend into the well of the bedpan share a common part of the first and second bag portion.

In another aspect of the invention the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an elongated tubular element extending between a first end terminating in a first open mouth, and a second end terminating in a second open mouth.

Preferably, the tubular element is sealed intermediate its first and second ends to define the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions, the first open mouth of the tubular element forming the first open mouth to the first compartment of the first bag portion, and the second open mouth of the tubular element forming the second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion, the first compartment extending into the tubular element from the first open mouth, and the second compartment extending into the tubular element from the second open mouth.

Advantageously, the sealing of the tubular element intermediate its first and second ends separates and sealably isolates the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portion from each other.

In one aspect of the invention the tubular element is sealed intermediate its first and second ends by a membrane located in the tubular element extending transversely thereof and is sealably secured to the tubular element intermediate the first and second ends to define with the tubular element the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions.

Preferably, the membrane is sealably secured to the tubular element around the inner periphery of the tubular element for sealably isolating the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions from each other.

In another aspect of the invention the first closing means is provided for closing the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth.

In another aspect of the invention the first closing means comprises a first ligature co-operable with the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth thereof for securing the first open mouth in the closed state.

In another aspect of the invention the first closing means comprises at least one first tab element extending from the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth configured for closing the first open mouth.' Preferably, two first tab elements extend from the first bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the first open mouth. Advantageously, four first tab elements extend from the first bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the first open mouth. Preferably, each first tab element terminates in a distal end, and advantageously, the first tab elements are arranged in pairs, the first tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding first handle, and preferably, the first handles formed by the respective pairs of the first tab elements are spaced apart around the first open mouth of the first bag portion. Ideally, the first tab elements are configured for tying together for in turn tying a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth for closing the first open mouth. In one aspect of the invention the second closing means is provided for closing the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth.

In another aspect of the invention the second closing means comprises a second ligature co-operable with the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth thereof for securing the second open mouth in the closed state.

In another aspect of the invention the second closing means comprises at least one second tab element extending from the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth configured for closing the second open mouth. Preferably, two second tab elements extend from the second bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the second open mouth.

Advantageously, four second tab elements extend from the second bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the second open mouth. Preferably, each second tab element terminates in a distal end, and advantageously, the second tab elements are arranged in pairs, the second tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding second handle, and preferably, the second handles formed by the respective pairs of the second tab elements are spaced apart around the second open mouth of the second bag portion.

Advantageously, the second tab elements are configured for tying together for in turn tying a portion of the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth for closing the second open mouth. In one aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a flexible material.

In another aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a film material. In another aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impermeable to human excrement.

In another aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material. Preferably, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is dissolvable in water. Advantageously, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 80°C.

Advantageously, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 65°C.

Preferably, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 50°C.

Ideally, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C.

In another aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an antimicrobial agent in the material. In a further aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

In another aspect of the invention the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent in an inert glass carrier. The antimicrobial agent may be provided in a powder form, a liquid form or a granular form, and may be mixed with the material of the bedpan bag prior to or during the forming process by which the bedpan sanitary bag is formed, which may be by blow moulding or any other suitable forming process. The antimicrobial agent may be such an agent which is sold under the Trade Mark ULTRA-FRESH CA-16 by Thompson Research Associates Inc. of Ontario, Canada In another aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a polymer material.

In a further aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an alginate polymer material.

The invention also provides a method for minimising aerosolisation of pathogens from human excrement in a bedpan, the method comprising placing the bedpan before use in a first compartment defined by a first bag portion of a bedpan sanitary bag, closing a first open mouth of the first bag portion to the first compartment with the bedpan located in the first compartment, the bedpan sanitary bag comprising a second bag portion secured to the first bag portion and defining a second compartment for human excrement, urging a portion of the second bag portion into a well of the bedpan for lining thereof, one or both of urinating and defecating into the second compartment of the second bag portion, closing a second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion with the human excrement resulting from the at least one of the urinating and defecating located in the second compartment.

In one aspect of the invention a portion of the second bag portion which is not extending into the well of the bedpan is turned inside out prior to the at least one of urinating and defecating into the second compartment of the second bag portion so that the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof is located in the portion of the second bag portion in the inside out state.

In another aspect of the invention the portion of the second bag portion which is turned inside out is turned right side out after the at least one of urinating and defecating in the second compartment of the second bag portion prior to closing the second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion.

Preferably, the sanitary bag with the bedpan located in the first compartment, and the human excrement resulting from the at least one of urinating and defecating located in. the closed second compartment is placed in a disinfectant washer. Advantageously, a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the second bag portion is urged into the well of the bedpan with the portion of the second bag portion for lining the well of the bedpan.

In one aspect of the invention the first compartment of the first bag portion is closed with a first ligature co- operable with the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth thereof.

In another aspect of the invention the second compartment of the second bag portion is closed with a second ligature co-operable with the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth thereof.

Preferably, the first compartment of the first bag portion is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart first tab elements extending from the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth together for in turn tying a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth together for closing the first open mouth. Advantageously, the second compartment of the second bag portion is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart second tab elements extending from the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth together for in turn tying a portion of the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth together for closing the second open mouth. In one aspect of the invention the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 80°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 80°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag. Preferably, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 65°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 65°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

Advantageously, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 50°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 50°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag. Ideally, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 45°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

Advantageously, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent, and preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent, ideally, in an inert glass carrier.

Additionally the invention provides a method for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement, the method comprising providing a bag comprising a material dissolvable at a temperature at least as low as 80°C, at least one of urinating and defecating into the bag and closing the bag with the human excrement resulting from the at least one of urinating and defecating in the bag.

In one aspect of the invention the method comprises placing the bag with the human excrement contained therein in a fluid at a temperature not less than the temperature at which the material of the bag is dissolvable.

In another aspect of the invention the method comprises placing the bag with the human excrement contained therein in water at a water temperature not less than the temperature at which the material of the bag is dissolvable.

Preferably, the bag with the human excrement is left in the one of the fluid and the water until the bag has dissolved. Advantageously, the mixture of the one of the fluid and water in which the bag is placed and the human excrement along with the dissolved bag is disposed of in order to minimise the spread of pathogens.

Preferably, the method comprises providing a ligature with the bag. Advantageously, the bag with the human excrement contained therein is closed by securing the ligature around the bag.

Preferably, the bag is closed by forming a neck in the bag and securing the ligature around the neck ^"formed in the bag. Ideally, the ligature is secured around the neck formed in the bag by wrapping the ligature around the neck.

Alternatively, the bag is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart tab elements extending from the bag adjacent the open mouth together, for in turn tying a portion of the bag adjacent to the open mouth together for closing the open mouth of the bag.

In another aspect of the invention the bag is configured as a liner for a bedpan, and the method comprises lining a well of the bedpan with the bag prior to the at least one of urinating and defecating into the bag. In a further aspect of the invention the bag is removed from the bedpan after the bag has been closed with the human excrement contained therein.

In another aspect of the invention the material of the bag comprises an antimicrobial agent.

The material of the bag may or may not be impregnated with the antimicrobial agent.

In one aspect of the invention the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent. In another aspect of the invention the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent carried in an inert glass carrier.

In a further aspect of the invention the antimicrobial agent is provided in one of a powder form, a liquid form and a granular form.

In a further aspect of the invention the antimicrobial agent is mixed with the material of the bag prior to forming the material into the bag.

In one aspect of the invention the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 65°C.

In a further aspect of the invention the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 60°C. Advantageously, the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 50°C.

Preferably, the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 45°C. Advantageously, the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature of approximately 40°C.

In another aspect of the invention the material of the bag comprises a polymer material, and preferably, an alginate polymer material.

In a further aspect of the invention the material of the bag comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material. Preferably, the material of the bag comprises a film material.

Advantageously, the material of the bag comprises a flexible material.

The invention also provides a bag for use in the method according to the invention for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement.

Further the invention provides a bag for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement, the bag comprising a material dissolvable at a temperature of at least as low as 80°C, and preferably, dissolvable at a temperature of approximately 45°C. Advantageously, the bag is dissolvable in water.

In one aspect of the invention a ligature is provided with the bag for closing the bag.

In an alternative aspect of the invention a pair of tab elements extend from the bag adjacent and spaced apart around an open mouth of the bag, the tab elements being configured for tying together, to in turn tie the open mouth into a closed state. Preferably, four tab elements are provided spaced apart around the open mouth of the bag. Advantageously, each tab element terminates in a distal end, arid preferably, the tab elements are arranged in pairs, the tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding handle, and advantageously, the handles formed by the respective pairs of the tab elements are spaced apart around the open mouth of the bag.

Preferably, the bag is configured as a liner for lining a well of a bedpan.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the bedpan sanitary bag comprises first and second bag portions which define respective first and second compartments, a bedpan can be located in the first bag portion, and human excrement can be collected in the second bag portion. Thus, the first and second bag portions can be independently closed, and once the second bag portion is closed, there is little or no danger of pathogens being aerosolised. Thus, the bedpan sanitary bag containing both the bedpan and the excrement enclosed in the first and second bag portion can be readily easily transferred by a nurse, a carer or other hospital staff member from the patient to either a disinfectant bedpan washer, or a storage area where other bagged bedpans with bagged human excrement are also stored awaiting washing in the bedpan disinfectant washer.

A particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is dissolvable in water at a relatively low water temperature, typically in the range of 45°C to 80°C, the material of the bedpan sanitary bag readily dissolves in the water in the disinfectant bedpan washer, so that the human excrement can be readily separated from the bedpan and flushed away. The bedpan can then be washed and disinfected in clean water in the disinfectant bedpan washer, and subsequently rinsed and sterilised in the bedpan disinfectant washer.

The advantages of the invention of the single compartment bag are substantially similar to those of the bedpan sanitary bag, in particular, an important advantage of the single compartment bag is that by virtue of the fact that it readily easily dissolves in water at a water temperature in the range of 45°C to 80°C, the bag can readily easily be dissolved in a bath of water at the appropriate temperature, thus releasing the human excrement, which can be subsequently treated in order to neutralise any remaining pathogens therein. The provision of the antimicrobial agent in the material of both the single compartment bag and the bedpan sanitary bag, when the material is so impregnated, has the further advantage of killing many of the pathogens in the human excrement in the bag.

A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved when both the first and second bag portions and the single bag are provided with closing means for closing the open mouths of the respective first and second bag portions and the single bag provided by at least two tab elements extending from the corresponding one of the first and second bag portions and the single bag adjacent the respective first and second open mouths, and the open mouth thereof. By providing the closing means in the form of the tab elements, the tab elements can be tied together into a knot along with portions adjacent the corresponding open mouths of the first and second bag portions and the single bag for closing the corresponding open mouth. A particularly important advantage is achieved when four tab elements are provided extending from the corresponding bag portion or the single bag, as the case may be, and the tab elements are arranged in pairs and joined adjacent their distal ends to form respective handles. The handles of each bag portion can then be readily easily tied together into a knot along with portions of the corresponding bag portion or the single bag, as the case may be, adjacent the corresponding open mouth for in turn closing the open mouth of the corresponding bag portion or the single bag, as the case may be. By providing the tabs into the form of handles, the handles can be readily easily gripped and held to facilitate tying the handles to form a knot.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bedpan sanitary bag according to the invention for a bedpan,

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 1 illustrated in use with a bedpan located therein,

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 1 illustrated in use with the bedpan located therein and with the sanitary bag in a different configuration to that of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 1 illustrated in use with the bedpan located therein with the sanitary bag in a different configuration to that of Figs. 2 and 3,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 1 also illustrated in use with the bedpan located therein, about to be placed in a disinfectant washer,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bedpan sanitary bag according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 6 illustrated in use with the bedpan located therein.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bedpan sanitary bag of Fig. 6 illustrated in use after the bedpan has been used.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bag also according to the invention for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement,

Fig.10 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bag of Fig. 9 in use,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the bag of Fig. 9 also in use, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a bag according to another embodiment of the invention for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement,

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bag of Fig. 12 in use, and Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the bag of Fig. 12 also in use.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 5 thereof, there is illustrated a bedpan sanitary bag according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , for a bedpan, indicated generally by the reference numeral 3. The bedpan sanitary bag 1 is configured to contain the bedpan 3, ^■ and also to contain human excrement 5, see Fig. 4, which term human excrement is used hereinafter to include urine or faeces or both urine and faeces. The bedpan sanitary bag 1 is further configured to contain the bedpan 3 and the human excrement 5 with the human excrement 5 separated and isolated from the bedpan 3, and to minimise the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from the human excrement 5. The bedpan sanitary bag 1 is particularly suitable for use in a method also according to the invention for minimising -the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from human excrement 5 in a bedpan 3.

The bedpan sanitary bag 1 is formed from an elongated tubular element 6 comprising an elongated circumferentially extending peripheral wall 7 of a flexible film material, which is described in detail below.

The tubular element 6 extends longitudinally from a first end 9 to a second end 12, and is closed intermediate the first and second ends 9 and 12 by a membrane 8, also of flexible film material. The membrane 8 is sealably secured around its periphery to the peripheral wall 7 around the entire inner periphery of the wall 7 to form with the peripheral wall 7 a pair of bag portions, namely, a first bag portion 10, which extends from the membrane 8 to the first end 9 of the tubular element 6 defining a first compartment 11 for the bedpan 3, and a second bag portion 13, which extends from the membrane 8 to the second end 12 of the tubular element 6 defining a second compartment 14 for the human excrement 5, with the first and second compartments 11 and 14 separated and sealably isolated from each other by the membrane 8. The membrane 8 is secured around its periphery to the peripheral wall 7 by any suitable securing means, for example, heat sealing, adhesive or the like.

In this embodiment of the invention the flexible film material of the tubular element 6 and the membrane 8 is similar. The flexible film material in its embodiment of the invention comprises an alginate polymer material, which in this case comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, which is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent in this embodiment of the invention comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent in an inert glass carrier. The antimicrobial agent may be provided in any one of powder form, liquid form or granular form, and in this case, is provided in granular form and is mixed with the PVA material when it is in granular form prior to melting to form the film material. In this embodiment of the invention, the tubular element 6 is formed by blow moulding, while the membrane 8 may be formed by blow moulding or any other suitable process for producing sheet film material. While the antimicrobial agent may be obtained from many suppliers, the antimicrobial agent with which the flexible film of both the tubular element 6 and the membrane 8 are impregnated is an antimicrobial agent sold under the Trade Mark ULTRA-FRESH CA-16 by Thompson Research Associates Inc. of Ontario, Canada. In this embodiment of the invention the flexible film material of both the tubular element 6 and the membrane 8 is dissolvable in water at a temperature of 45°C.

The first bag portion 10 defines a first open mouth 16 adjacent the first end 9 of the tubular element 6 to the first compartment 11. The first open mouth 16 is sized to accommodate the bedpan 3 into the first compartment 11. The second bag portion 13^"defines a second open mouth 18 adjacent the second end 12 of the tubular element 6 to the second compartment 14.

A first closing means comprising a first drawstring 20 is located in a first hem 21 extending around the first open mouth 16 for closing the first open mouth 16, for in turn retaining the bedpan 3 in the first compartment 11. Openings 22 in the first hem 21 accommodate the first drawstring 20 from the first hem 21. A second closing means comprising a second drawstring 23 is located in a second hem 24 extending around the second open mouth 18 for closing the second open mouth 18 for substantially sealing the human excrement 5 in the second compartment 14 in order to prevent aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from the human excrement 5. Openings 25 in the second hem 24 accommodate the second drawstring 23 from the second hem 24. The first bag portion 10 between the membrane 8 and the first open mouth 16 diverges outwardly from the membrane 8 to the first open mouth 16 in order to facilitate ease of placing the bedpan 3 through the first open mouth 16 into the first compartment 11. The second bag portion 13 between the membrane 8 and the second open mouth 18 also diverges outwardly from the membrane 8 to the second open mouth 18 in order to allow the second bag portion 13 to be partly turned inside out, and to allow the first bag portion 10 with the bedpan 3 located in the first compartment 11 thereof to be located within the second bag portion 13, which has been partly turned inside out, prior to urinating and/or defecating into the second compartment 14 of the second bag portion 13, see Fig. 3, as will be described in further detail below.

In order to provide a full understanding of the bedpan sanitary bag 1 , and the method according to the invention for minimising aerosolisation of pathogens from human excrement 5 in the bedpan 3, the use of the sanitary bag 1 with the bedpan 3 will now be described.

Initially, before use the bedpan 3 is inserted into the first compartment 11 of the first bag portion 10 through the first open mouth 16 and the first drawstring 20 is pulled tightly in the first hem 21 in order to close the first open mouth 16, and in turn to close the first compartment 11 , thereby retaining the bedpan 3 in the first compartment 11 , see Fig. 2. The second bag portion 13 is partly turned inside out so that the first bag portion 10 with the bedpan 3 located in the first compartment 11 thereof is located in the second bag portion 13, see Fig. 3. The membrane 8, which forms a common part of the first and second bag portions 10 and 13, and portions 26 and 27 of the first and second bag portions 10 and 13, respectively, are urged in the direction of the arrow A into a well 28 of the bedpan 3, in order that the membrane 8 and the portions 26 and 27 of the first and second bag portions 10 and 13 substantially fully line the well 28 of the bedpan 3, and the membrane 8 and the portion 27 of the second bag portion 13 are configured to collect human excrement when the bedpan 3 is used for urinating and/or defecating. With the bedpan 3 located in the closed first compartment 11 and the well 28 of the bedpan 3 lined, and the second bag portion 13 turned inside out with the first bag portion 10 with the bedpan 3 therein both located within the second bag portion turned inside out, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the bedpan 3 is now ready for use and is presented to a patient. On completion of urinating and/or defecating into the portion of the second bag portion 13 lining the well 28 of the bedpan 3, the second bag portion 13 is turned right side out to fully form the second compartment 14 with the human excrement 5 contained therein, see Fig. 4 The second drawstring 23 in the second hem 24 is pulled tightly to close the second open mouth 18, and in turn to close the second compartment 14, see Fig. 5, in order to isolate the human excrement 5 in the second compartment 14 from the ambient air, to thereby prevent aerosolisation of pathogens and odours in the human excrement 5, and to protect a nurse or a carer handling the bedpan 3 in the bedpan sanitary bag 1 from such pathogens and odours. With the bedpan 3 contained in the first compartment 11 and secured therein by the first drawstring 20, and the human excrement 5 contained in the second compartment 14 which is closed by the second drawstring 23, the human excrement 5 is isolated from the bedpan 3 and from the ambient air. The bedpan sanitary bag 1 with the bedpan 3 and the human excrement 5 contained therein can now be transferred either directly to a bedpan disinfectant washer, such as a bedpan disinfectant washer 30 illustrated in Fig. 5, for washing the bedpan 3, or to a used bedpan station to await Ioading into the bedpan disinfectant washer 30, when the bedpan disinfectant washer 30 is ready for the next wash load.

Since the bedpan 3 is contained within the closed first compartment 11 of the first bag portion 10 and the human excrement 5 is contained in the closed second compartment 14 of the second bag portion 13, there is no danger of aerosolisation of pathogens or odours from the human excrement 5 as the bedpan sanitary bag 1 , with the bedpan 3 and the human excrement 5 contained therein, is being transferred from a patient to either the bedpan disinfectant washer 30 or to the used bedpan storing station. Furthermore, while the bedpan sanitary bag 1 with the bedpan 3 and the human excrement 5 contained therein is stored in a used bedpan storing station, since the human excrement 5 is contained in the closed second compartment 14 of the second bag portion 13, there is no danger of aerosolisation of pathogens or odours from the human excrement 5 while stored in the used bedpan storing station. Additionally, there is no danger of aerosolisation of pathogens or odours from the human excrement 5 as the bedpan sanitary bag 1, with the bedpan 3 and human excrement 5 contained therein, is being transferred from the used bedpan storing station to the bedpan disinfectant washer 30. The bedpan sanitary bag 1 with the bedpan 3 in the first compartment 11 of the first bag portion 10 and the human excrement 5 in the second compartment 14 of the second bag portion 13 is placed in the bedpan disinfectant washer 30 along with other bedpan sanitary bags 1 similarly containing respective bedpans and human excrement. The bedpan disinfectant washer 30 is then powered up for washing the bedpans 3. The bedpans 3 are washed with wash water typically at a temperature of approximately 85°C or greater, which readily dissolves the bedpan sanitary bags 1 , so that the bedpans 3 can be washed and disinfected in the bedpan disinfectant washer 30. The wash water along with the human excrement 5 and any remaining particles of the bedpan sanitary bags 1 is subsequently discharged from the disinfectant washer 30. The bedpans 3 are then rinsed with rinse water at a temperature of approximately 95°C for rinsing and sterilisation of the bedpans 3.

On completion of a washing and rinsing cycle, the bedpans 3 are removed from the bedpan disinfectant washer 30, and are inspected for reuse.

By virtue of the fact that the bedpans 3 are enclosed in the first bag portions 10, there is no danger of contamination from a used bedpan by a nurse or carer. Similarly, by virtue of the fact that the human excrement 5 is enclosed in the second compartment 14 of the second bag portion 13 of the bedpan sanitary bag 1, there is no danger of aerosolisation of pathogens or odours from the human excrement 5.

By virtue of the fact that the bedpan sanitary bag 1 is of polyvinyl alcohol which is dissolvable at 45°C, the bedpan sanitary bag 1 on being subjected to the wash water at a temperature at or above 85°C in the bedpan disinfectant washer 30 dissolves, thereby allowing the human excrement 5 to be discharged with wash water from the bedpan disinfectant washer 30. By providing the flexible film material of the bedpan sanitary bag 1 impregnated with an antimicrobial agent, many of the pathogens contained in the excrement 5 sealably closed within the second bag portion 13 are killed, and the volume of pathogens killed in the excrement 5 in the closed second bag portion 13 is dependent on the time during which the excrement 5 is resident in the second bag portion 13. Referring now to Figs. 6 to 8 there is illustrated a bedpan sanitary bag according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The bedpan sanitary bag 40 is substantially similar to the bedpan sanitary bag 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The bedpan sanitary bag 40 comprises a flexible film material which is similar to the flexible film material of the bedpan sanitary bag 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5, and is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent similar to that with which the flexible film material of the bedpan sanitary bag 1 is impregnated.

The main difference between the bedpan sanitary bag 40 and the bedpan sanitary bag 1 is in the first and second closing means for closing the first and second bag portions 10 and 13.

In this embodiment of the invention, the first closing means for closing the first compartment 11 of the first bag portion 10 comprises four first tab elements 42 extending from the first bag portion 10 around the first

5 open mouth 16 thereof, and being spaced apart around the first open mouth 16. The first tab elements 42 terminate in distal ends 43, and are arranged in pairs with the distal ends 43 of each pair of first tab elements 42 being joined together adjacent their distal ends 43 to form a corresponding first handle 44. The spacing between the first tab elements 42 around the first open mouth 16 is such that the first handles 44 are also spaced apart around the first open mouth 16 of the first bag portion 10. The first l o handles 44 formed by the first tab elements 42 are configured to co-operate with each other, so that they can be tied together, to in turn tie portions of the first bag portion 10 adjacent the first open mouth 16 thereof together into a first knot 45, for in turn closing the first open mouth 16 to the first compartment 11 , as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8.

15 The second closing means comprises four second tab elements 46 extending from the second bag portion 13 around the second open mouth 18 and being spaced apart around the second open mouth 18. The second tab elements 46 are configured similarly as the first tab elements 42 are configured, and are configured in pairs and joined adjacent their distal ends 47 to form second handles 48. The second handles 48, in a similar manner to the, first handles 44, can then be tied together to form with portions of 0 the second bag portion 13 adjacent the open mouth 18 a second knot 49 for closing the second open mouth 18 to the second compartment 14, as illustrated in Fig. 8.

Otherwise, the bedpan sanitary bag 40 is similar to the bedpan sanitary bag 1 and its use is likewise similar.

5

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 11, there is illustrated a bag also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, for use in minimising the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from human excrement. In this embodiment of the invention the bag 50 is configured for lining a bedpan 53 and for directly receiving human excrement, for example, faeces and/or urine during defecating and/or0 urinating by a subject when lining the bedpan 53. The bedpan 53 is similar to the bedpan 3 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

The bag 50 is of tubular construction comprising a circumferentially extending peripheral side wall 55 which is closed at one end 56 by heat sealing at 54, and open at the other end 57 and defines a hollow interior region 58 for the human excrement. The open end 57 defines an open mouth 60 to the hollow interior region 58 for accommodating the excrement into the hollow interior region 58. A closing means comprising a ligature, in this embodiment of the invention a tie strip 61 is releasably secured to the ^" peripheral side wall 55 of the bag 50 adjacent the open mouth 60 by a releasable adhesive for closing the bag 50 with the human excrement therein. The tie strip 61 is detached from the bag 50, and is wrapped around a neck 64 formed in the bag 50 as will be described in more detail below, and then tied for closing the bag 50. The bag 50 is of a flexible film material, which in this embodiment of the invention is an alginate polymer materia!, namely, PVA film, which is dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C. The PVA material from which the bag 50 is formed is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent in an inert glass carrier. In this embodiment of the invention the antimicrobial agent is provided in any one of powder form, liquid form, granular form or any other suitable form, but in this case is in granular form, and is mixed with the PVA material which is also in granular form prior to the heating and mixing of the PVA material prior to forming the PVA material into a film from which the bag 50 is formed. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that any other suitable antimicrobial agent may be impregnated into the material of the bag 50. In this embodiment of the invention the bag 50 is formed by blow moulding. However, the bag 50 may be formed by any other suitable polymer material forming process, which will be well known to those skilled in the art.

The tie strip 61 is also of similar material to that of the bag 50, and the material of the tie strip 61 is similarly impregnated with the antimicrobial agent, and is dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C.

The size of the bag 50 according to the invention will vary depending on the type and size of the bedpan 53 or other receptacle for which the bag 50 is to be used as a liner. This will be readily apparent and understood by those skilled in the art. -

Turning now to the bedpan 53, the bedpan 53 defines a well 65 which is lined by the bag 50. An open mouth 66 defined by the bedpan 53 provides access to the well 65 of the bedpan 53. The length of the bag 50 from the closed end 56 to the open end 57 will be such, and the transverse cross-section of the bag 50 will be such that the bag 50 will be of sufficient size so that when lining the well 65 of the bedpan 53, a portion 68 of the bag 50 adjacent the open end 57 extending outwardly from the open mouth 66 of the bedpan 53, will be configurable to be folded downwardly over a portion 70 of the bedpan 53 adjacent the open mouth 66 thereof.

In use, when a subject wishes to use a bedpan 53, one of the bags 50 according to the invention of the appropriate size is selected and the well 65 of the bedpan 53 is lined with the bag 50 so that the portion 68 of the bag 50 adjacent the open end 57 thereof extends through the open mouth 66 of the bedpan 53, and is folded downwardly around the portion 70 of the bedpan 53 adjacent the open mouth 66 thereof. The subject then uses the bedpan 53 and urinates or defecates or both into the lined bedpan 53, and the faeces and/or urine, or both as the case may be, is collected in the hollow interior region 58 of the bag 50. The bag 50 is then removed from the bedpan 53, and a neck 64 is formed in the bag 50 towards the open end 57 by squeezing the bag 50, and the tie strip 61 is detached from the bag 50, and tightly wrapped around the neck 64 and tied in order to securely close the bag 50 adjacent the neck 64 in order to minimise and in most cases prevent the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from the human excrement in the bag 50 and thereby in turn minimise and substantially prevent the spread of infections and viruses.

The bag 50 with the human excrement contained therein can then be safely disposed of without aerosolisation of the pathogens or odours. Typically, a plurality of the bags 50 are collected and stored and are then transferred to a disposal system which includes a hopper for receiving the bags 50 with the human excrement contained therein. The bags 50 are delivered from the hopper into a bath of water at a water temperature of approximately 60°C, which is higher than the dissolving temperature of the material of the bags 50. The bags 50 and the tie strips 61 thus dissolve in the bath of water, and the mixture of water and the human excrement is then appropriately treated to minimise the aerosolisation of pathogens therein, and is then safely disposed of.

The bedpan 53 can then be suitably disinfected separately of the human excrement. Referring now to Figs. 12 to 1 , there is illustrated a bag according to the embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, for use in minimising the aerosolisation of pathogens and odours from human excrement. The bag 80 is substantially similar to the bag 50 described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11, and similar components and elements are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the bag 80 and the bag 50 is in the closing means for closing the bag 80.

In this embodiment of the invention instead of providing a tie strip 61 releasably secured to the bag, the bag 80 is provided with four tab elements 82, which are substantially similar to the four first and second tab elements 42 and 46, respectively, of the bedpan sanitary bag 40 described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. In this embodiment of the invention the tab elements 82 extend from the bag 80 adjacent the open mouth 60 thereof and are spaced apart around the open mouth 60. The tab elements 82 are arranged in pairs, and the tab elements 82 of each pair are joined adjacent their respective distal ends 83 to form respective handles 84, which are spaced apart around the open mouth 60. The handles 84 are configured for tying together into a knot 85, so that the handles 84 together with portions of the bag 80 adjacent the open mouth 60 thereof can be tied into the knot 85 for closing the open mouth 60 of the bag 80 with the bag 80 substantially sealably retaining the contents therein as illustrated in Fig. 14.

Otherwise, the bag 80 is similar to the bag 50, and when the bag has been used, the contents of the bag are substantially sealably secured within the hollow interior region 58 of the bag 80 by tying the handles 84 along with portions of the bag 80 adjacent to the open mouth 60 into the knot 85 as illustrated in Fig. 14.

While the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 have been described as being formed from a tubular element with a membrane extending transversely across the tubular element intermediate the ends thereof, it is envisaged that the membrane may be omitted, and the tubular element would be merely sealed by a transverse heat seal or other such seal extending completely across the tubular element in order to define the first and second bag portions with the first and second compartments separated and isolated from each other.

It will also be appreciated that the bags described with reference to Figs. 9 to 14 may be formed by any other suitable process besides blow moulding.

While the closing means for closing the first and second open mouths of the first and second bag portions of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8, and while the closing means for closing the open mouths of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as comprising either draw cords, or handles formed by tab elements or tie strips, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any other suitable closing means may be provided for closing the first and second open mouths of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and for closing the open mouths of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that a pressure adhesive may be provided around the peripheries of the respective first and second open mouths of the bedpan sanitary bags. of Figs 1 to 8, and the open mouths of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14. Typically, the adhesive would be protected by a release sheet. On removal of the release sheets from the adhesive around the peripheries of the open mouths, the peripheries of the respective open mouths could be secured by the adhesive thereon.

It will also be appreciated that while the portions which form the first and second bag portions of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 have been described as diverging outwardly from the membrane towards the respective first and second open mouths, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the tubular element from which the first and second bag portions are formed may be cylindrical or parallel sided. Needless to say the size and shape of the first and second bag portions will be determined by the bedpans with which they are to be used. - While the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been ' described as comprising polyvinyl alcohol, any other suitable materials may be used, provided that such materials are readily easily dissolvable in a suitable dissolving fluid in order to allow separation of the bedpan from the human excrement and release of the human excrement from the bedpan sanitary bag of Figs. 1 to 8, and release of the human excrement from the bags of Figs. 9 to 14. Additionally, while the materials of .the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as being of polyvinyl alcohol which is dissolvable at 45°C, the material of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8, and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be such as to be dissolvable in water in temperatures higher or lower than a temperature of approximately 45°C. It will also be appreciated that the bedpans may be washed and sterilised in the disinfectant washer at temperatures other than those described, provided that the. temperature of the wash water is sufficiently high to dissolve the material of the sanitary bag.

While the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as comprising a specific antimicrobial agent, it is envisaged that the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be provided with any suitable antimicrobial agent. It is also envisaged that the antimicrobial agent may be incorporated into the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 by any other suitable means besides those described in the specification, for example, it is envisaged that the antimicrobial agent may be mixed with the material of the bag during heating of the material of the bag and or during processing of the material prior to forming the bags. Indeed, it is also envisaged that the antimicrobial agent may be coated onto the material of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 during the formation of the material of the bags or subsequent to the formation of the material of the bags or subsequent to the formation of the bedpan sanitary bags or the bags. Where the antimicrobial agent is coated onto the material of the bags, typically the antimicrobial agent would be coated onto the interior of the bag portions of the bedpan sanitary bag and onto the interior portions defined in the hollow interior regions of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14. It is also envisaged that the antimicrobial agent may be coated onto both the inner and outer surfaces of the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14.

While the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as being suitable for lining a bedpan the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be provided in a form which is suitable for lining any other receptacle. Additionally, the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be provided for receiving other human excrement from a subject, for example, vomit, sputum and the like. In which case, the bag would be of a relatively smaller size, and would be suitable for being handheld, and would also comprise a means for closing the bag, which typically, could be a tie strip similar to the tie strip of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14.

While the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the materials of the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as comprising in particular polymer material, the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be of any other suitable material which would be dissolvable in water or other suitable fluid at a readily achievable temperature of the fluid, and preferably, would be of a material which would dissolve in water at such a temperature.

While the materials of the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 have been described as comprising an antimicrobial agent, it is envisaged that the bedpan sanitary bags of Figs. 1 to 8 and the bags of Figs. 9 to 14 may be provided of materials without an antimicrobial agent.

It will also be appreciated that instead of arranging the tab elements in pairs and configuring each pair to form a handle, in certain cases, it is envisaged that only two tab elements may be provided which would be spaced apart around the corresponding open mouth of the first and second bag portions, in the case of the bedpan sanitary bag of Figs. 1 to 8, and around the open mouth of the bag of Figs. 9 to 14, and the respective tab elements could then be tied into a knot as already described with reference to the handles. In which case where only two tab elements are provided, the tab elements would be equi-spaced apart around the corresponding open mouth.

Claims

1. A bedpan sanitary bag comprising a first bag portion defining a first compartment for accommodating a bedpan therein, and a first open mouth to the first compartment for accommodating the bedpan into the first compartment, a second bag portion secured to the first bag portion, the second bag portion defining a second compartment for accommodating human excrement, the second compartment being sealably isolated from the first compartment and defining a second open mouth to the second compartment, a portion of the second bag portion being configured to extend into a well of the bedpan to line the well thereof, a first closing means in the first bag portion for closing the first open mouth, and a second closing means in the second bag portion for closing the second open mouth.

2. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 1 in which a portion of the first bag portion is configured to extend into the well of the bedpan to line the well thereof.

3. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the second bag portion is configured to be turned inside out to accommodate the first bag portion therein in the inside out state.

4. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second bag portion is sized to accommodate therein, in the inside out state, the first bag portion with the bedpan in the first compartment thereof.

5. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion is sized to accommodate the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof into the second bag portion in the inside out state.

6. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second bag portion is configured so that in the inside out state when the portion of the second bag portion is located in the well of the bedpan, the first bag portion with the bedpan in the first compartment thereof is located in the second bag portion.

7.. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second bag portions are configured so that when the portions of the first and second bag portions are located in the well of the bedpan, the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof are located within the second bag portion in the inside out state.

8. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the portion of the second bag portion which is configured to extend into the well of the bedpan is configured to substantially line the well of the bedpan.

9. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the portions of the first and second bag portions which are configured to extend into the well of the bedpan are configured to substantially fully line the well of the bedpan.

10. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least a part of the portions of the first and second bag portions which are configured to extend into the well of the bedpan share a common part of the first and second bag portion.

11. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an elongated tubular element extending between a first end terminating in a first open mouth, and a second end terminating in a second open mouth.

12. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 11 in which the tubular element is sealed intermediate its first and second ends to define the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions, the first open mouth of the tubular element forming the first open mouth to the first compartment of the first bag portion, and the second open mouth of the tubular element forming the second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion, the first compartment extending into the tubular element from the first open mouth, and the second compartment extending into the tubular element from the second open mouth.

13. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 12 in which the sealing of the tubular element intermediate its first and second ends separates and sealably isolates the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portion from each other.

14. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 13 in which the tubular element is sealed intermediate its first and second ends by a membrane located in the tubular element extending transversely thereof and is sealably secured to the tubular element intermediate the first and second ends to define with the tubular element the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions.

15. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 14 in which the membrane is sealably secured to the tubular element around the inner periphery of the tubular element for sealably isolating the first and second compartments of the first and second bag portions from each other.

16. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first closing means is provided for closing the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth.

17. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 16 in which the first closing means comprises a first ligature co-operable with the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth thereof for securing the first open mouth in the closed state.

18. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 16 in which the first closing means comprises at least one first tab element extending from the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth configured for closing the first open mouth.

19. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 18 in which two first tab elements extend from the first bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the first open mouth.

20. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 18 or 19 in which four first tab elements extend from the first bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the first open mouth.

21. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 20 in which each first tab element terminates in a distal end, and the first tab elements are arranged in pairs, the first tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding first handle, the first handles formed by the respective pairs of the first tab elements being spaced apart around the first open mouth of the first bag portion.

22. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 21 in which the first tab elements are configured for tying together for in turn tying a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth for closing the first open mouth.

23. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second closing means is provided for closing the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth.

24. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 23 in which the second closing means comprises a second ligature co-operable with the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth thereof for securing the second open mouth in the closed state.

25. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 23 in which the second closing means comprises at least one second tab element extending from the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth configured for closing the second open mouth.

26. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 25 in which two second tab elements extend from the second bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the second open mouth.

27, A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 23 or 24 in which four second tab elements extend from the second bag portion adjacent and spaced apart around the second open mouth.

28. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 27 in which each second tab element terminates in a distal end, and the second tab elements are arranged in pairs, the second tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding second handle, the second handles formed by the respective pairs of the second tab elements being spaced apart around the second open mouth of the second bag portion.

29. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 28 in which the second tab elements are configured for tying together for in turn tying a portion of the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth for closing the second open mouth.

30. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a flexible material.

31. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impermeable to human excrement.

32. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material.

33. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is dissolvable in water.

34. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 80°C.

35. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 65°C.

36. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 50°C.

37. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C.

38. ~ A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an antimicrobial agent in the material.

39. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

40. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in Claim 38 or 39 in which the antimicrobial agent comprising an inorganic silver-based constituent in an inert glass carrier.

41. A bedpan as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a polymer material.

42. A bedpan sanitary bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an alginate polymer material.

43. A method for minimising aerosolisation of pathogens from human excrement in a bedpan, the method comprising placing the bedpan before use in a first compartment defined by a first bag portion of a bedpan sanitary bag, closing a first open mouth of the first bag portion to the first compartment with the bedpan located in the first compartment, the bedpan sanitary bag comprising a second bag portion secured to the first bag portion and defining a second compartment for human excrement, urging a portion of the second bag portion into a well of the bedpan for lining thereof, one or both of urinating and defecating into the second compartment of the second bag portion, closing a second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion with the human excrement resulting from the at least one of the urinating and defecating located in the second compartment.

44. A method as claimed in Claim 43 in which a portion of the second bag portion which is not extending into the well of the bedpan is turned inside out prior to the at least one of urinating and defecating into the second compartment of the second bag portion so that the first bag portion with the bedpan located in the first compartment thereof is located in the said portion of the second bag portion in the inside out state.

45. A method as claimed in Claim 43 or 44 in which the portion of the second bag portion which is turned inside out is turned right side out after the at least one of urinating and defecating in the second compartment of the second bag portion prior to closing the second open mouth to the second compartment of the second bag portion.

46. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 45 in which the sanitary bag with the bedpan located in the first compartment, and the human excrement resulting from the at least one of urinating and defecating located in the closed second compartment is placed in a disinfectant washer.

47. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 46 in which a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the second bag portion is urged into the well of the bedpan with the portion of the second bag portion for lining the well of the bedpan.

48. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 47 in which the first compartment of the first bag portion is closed with a first ligature co-operable with the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth thereof.

49. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 48 in which the second compartment of the second bag portion is closed with a second ligature co-operable with the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth thereof.

50. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 49 in which the first compartment of the first bag portion is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart first tab elements extending from the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth together for in turn tying a portion of the first bag portion adjacent the first open mouth together for closing the first open mouth.

51. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 50 in which the second compartment of the second bag portion is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart second tab elements extending from the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth together for in turn tying a portion of the second bag portion adjacent the second open mouth together for closing the second open mouth.

52. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 51 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 80°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 80°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

53. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 52 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 65°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 65°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

54. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 53 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature at least as low as 50°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 50°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

55. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 54 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises a dissolvable material dissolvable in water at a water temperature of approximately 45°C and the temperature of water in the disinfectant washer is at a temperature of at least 45°C for dissolving the material of the bedpan sanitary bag.

56. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 55 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag comprises an antimicrobial agent in the material.

57. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 56 in which the material of the bedpan sanitary bag is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

58. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 57 in which the material ofthe sanitary bag comprises an antimicrobial agent comprising an inorganic silver-based constituent in an inert glass carrier.

59. A method for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement, the method comprising providing a bag comprising a material dissolvable at a temperature at least as low as 80°C, at least one of urinating and defecating into the bag and closing the bag with the human excrement resulting from the at least one of urinating and defecating in the bag.

60. A method as claimed in Claim 59 in which the method comprises placing the bag with the human excrement contained therein in a fluid at a temperature not less than the temperature at which the material of the bag is dissolvable.

61. A method as claimed in Claim 59 or 60 in which the method comprises placing the bag with the human excrement contained therein in water at a water temperature not less than the temperature at which the material of the bag is dissolvable.

62. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 61 in which the bag with the human excrement is left in the one of the fluid and the water until the bag has dissolved.

63. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 62 in which the mixture of the one of the fluid and water in which the bag is placed and the human excrement along with the dissolved bag is disposed of in order to minimise the spread of pathogens.

64. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 63 in which the method comprises providing a ligature with the bag.

65. A method as claimed in Claim 64 in which the bag with the human excrement contained therein is closed by securing the ligature around the bag.

66. A method as claimed in Claim 64 or 65 in which the bag is closed by forming a neck in the bag and securing the ligature around the neck formed in the bag.

67. A method as claimed in Claim 66 in which the ligature is secured around the neck formed in the bag by wrapping the ligature around the neck.

68. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 67 in which the bag is closed by tying a pair of spaced apart tab elements extending from the bag adjacent the open mouth together, for in turn tying a portion of the bag adjacent to the open mouth together for closing the open mouth of the bag.

69. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 68 in which the bag is configured as a liner for a bedpan,^' and the method comprises lining a well of the bedpan with the bag prior to the at least one of urinating and defecating into the bag.

70. A method as claimed in Claim 69 in which the bag is removed from the bedpan after the bag has been closed with the human excrement contained therein.

71. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 70 in which the material of the bag comprises an antimicrobial agent.

72. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 71 in which the material of the bag is impregnated with the antimicrobial agent.

.

73. A method as claimed in Claim 71 or 72 in which the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent.

74. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 73 in which the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent carried in an inert glass carrier.

75. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 74 in which the antimicrobial agent is provided in one of a powder form, a liquid form and a granular form.

76. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 75 in which the antimicrobial agent is mixed with the material of the bag prior to forming the material into the bag.

77. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 76 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 65°C.

78. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 77 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 60°C.

79. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 78 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 50°C.

80. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 79 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 45°C.

81. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 80 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature of approximately 40°C.

82. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 81 in which the material of the bag comprises a polymer material.

83. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 82 in which the material of the bag comprises an alginate polymer material.

84. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 83 in which the material of the bag comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material.

85. A method as claimed in of Claims 59 to 84 in which the material of the bag comprises a film material.

86. A method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 85 in which the material of the bag comprises a flexible material.

87. A bag for use in the method as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 86 for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement.

88. A bag for minimising the spread of pathogens from human excrement, the bag comprising a material dissolvable at a temperature at least as low as 80°C.

89. A bag as claimed in Claim 87 or 88 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 65°C.

90. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 89 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 60°C.

91. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 90 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 50°C.

92. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 91 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature at least as low as 45°C.

93. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 92 in which the material of the bag is dissolvable in a fluid at a fluid temperature of approximately

94. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 93 in which a ligature is provided with the bag for closing the bag.

95. A bag as claimed in any of claims 87 to 93 in which a pair of tab elements extend from the bag adjacent and spaced apart around an open mouth of the bag, the tab elements being configured for tying together, to in turn tie the open mouth into a closed state.

96. A bag as claimed in Claim 95 in which four tab elements are provided spaced apart around the open mouth of the bag.

97. A bag as claimed in Claim 96 in which each tab element terminates in a distal end, and the tab elements are arranged in pairs, the tab elements of each pair thereof being joined adjacent their distal ends to form a corresponding handle, the handles formed by the respective pairs ofthe tab elements being spaced apart around the open mouth of the bag.

98. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 97 in which the bag is configured as a liner for lining a well of the bedpan.

99. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 98 in which the material of the bag comprises an antimicrobial agent.

100. A bag as claimed in Claim 99 in which the material of the bag is impregnated with the antimicrobial agent.

101. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 99 or 100 in which the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent.

102. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 99 to 101 in which the antimicrobial agent comprises an inorganic silver-based constituent carried in an inert glass carrier.

103. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 99 to 102 in which the antimicrobial agent is provided in one of a power form, a liquid form and a granular form.

104. . A bag as claimed in any of Claims 99 to 103 in which the antimicrobial agent is mixed with the material of the bag prior to forming the material into the bag.

105. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 104 in which the material of the bag comprises a polymer material.

106. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 105 in which the bag comprises an alginate polymer material.

107. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 106 in which the material of the bag comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material.

108. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 107 in which the material of the bag comprises a film material.

109. A bag as claimed in any of Claims 87 to 108 in which the bag comprises a flexible material.