Geisinger is implementing advanced ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices across its hospital campuses to enhance infection prevention in patient care areas. These devices use UV light to eliminate harmful pathogens, improving safety by disinfecting patient rooms after manual cleaning, especially if the room was previously occupied by someone with a contagious illness.
“Bringing UV disinfection technology into our hospitals is a powerful step forward in protecting our patients,” said Mark Shelly, M.D., medical director of infection prevention. “It’s not just about adding new tools. It’s about strengthening our commitment to safety and quality and doing everything we can to prevent hospital-acquired infections. A visibly clean surface is just the beginning. Because germs are invisible, they’re susceptible to UV light. This technology helps us take another meaningful step toward becoming a high-reliability organization, where safety is at the center of everything we do.”
The technology works quickly and effectively, disinfecting rooms in 12 to 30 minutes depending on size. It features smart technology that tracks usage and automatically adjusts UV light levels for thorough disinfection, even in shadowed or hard-to-reach areas. Operated exclusively by trained Environmental Services technicians, rooms are clearly marked during use to ensure safety. The devices are targeted for use in patient rooms previously occupied by someone with a transmissible illness.
Following successful trials at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center without disrupting patient flow, 16 devices are now being introduced systemwide.
The UV disinfection devices combat a range of pathogens including Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Influenza A, and Norovirus.
Geisinger serves 1.2 million people across central and northeastern Pennsylvania as one of the nation’s leading providers of value-based care. Founded in 1915 by Abigail Geisinger, it generates over $8 billion annually across 163 care sites including ten hospital campuses and Geisinger Health Plan. The nonprofit system educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually through Geisinger College of Health Sciences and conducts over 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees including 1,800 physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger significantly impacts Pennsylvania’s economy with an estimated $16.8 billion economic contribution.
In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health to expand value-based care nationwide.
