The publication of NHS Estates Technical Bulletin (NETB) No. 2024/3 has brought increased attention to the management of microbiological risks within healthcare water systems. NHS Trusts are now reviewing existing control measures and considering how best to protect patients, staff and critical clinical processes from waterborne pathogens.
At Marlowe Environmental Services, we help healthcare providers translate guidance into practical action through the design, installation and maintenance of Point-of-Entry (POE) Ultrafiltration Systems.
What is point-of-entry filtration?
Point-of-Entry (POE) ultrafiltration is installed at the incoming water supply to a building or department, creating a physical barrier before water enters the distribution system.
Unlike point-of-use filters that protect individual outlets, POE ultrafiltration provides protection across an entire building or critical healthcare area, helping to reduce microbiological contamination risks throughout the downstream water network.
This approach can be particularly beneficial in healthcare environments where vulnerable patient populations require enhanced protection and where water quality represents a critical component of infection prevention and control strategies.
Why Consider Ultrafiltration?
Traditional water treatment processes may not always provide a complete physical barrier against microorganisms. Ultrafiltration technology utilises advanced membrane filtration capable of removing bacteria, suspended solids and colloidal material from incoming water supplies.
Marlowe point-of-entry ultrafiltration systems incorporate high-performance membrane technology with an approximate filtration cut-off of 0.02 microns, providing an effective barrier to microorganisms and fine particulates while supporting healthcare water quality objectives.
Key Benefits
- Whole-building protection
- Additional barrier against microbiological contamination
- Automatic operation and membrane backwashing
- Reduced reliance on multiple point-of-use filters
- Supports healthcare water safety management plans
- Can be integrated with existing disinfection regimes
- Suitable for NHS and private healthcare estates
How Marlowe can help?
Proven Water Treatment Performance
Marlowe Environmental Services designs and delivers advanced ultrafiltration solutions for healthcare environments, providing reliable and consistent filtration performance to support NHS water safety strategies and NETB 2024/3 requirements.
Key features include:
- Membrane filtration down to approximately 0.02 μm
- Automatic membrane backwashing
- Integrated control and monitoring systems
- Continuous performance monitoring and alarm functionality
- Scalable treatment capacities to suit individual departments, buildings or entire healthcare estates
- Designed for integration with existing water treatment and compliance programmes
Supporting NETB 2024/3 Compliance
NETB 2024/3 reinforces the importance of effective risk assessment and control measures within healthcare water systems.
Whilst every healthcare estate has unique requirements, point-of-entry ultrafiltration can support compliance strategies by:
Reducing Microbiological Loads
Ultrafiltration membranes create a physical barrier capable of removing bacteria and suspended contaminants before water enters the healthcare distribution network.
Strengthening Water Safety Plans
POE ultrafiltration can form part of a comprehensive Water Safety Group strategy, helping estates teams implement multiple barriers against contamination risks.
Enhancing Protection in Critical Areas
Particularly suitable for facilities supporting:
- Endoscopy Units
- Sterile Services Departments
- Renal Units
- Intensive Care Units
- Oncology Departments
- Operating Theatres
- High-Risk Patient Areas
Improving System Resilience By reducing the microbiological burden entering the system, ultrafiltration provides an additional layer of protection alongside existing disinfection and monitoring programmes
Contact our healthcare water specialists today to arrange a site assessment and discover how Ultrafiltration technology can support your compliance, resilience and patient safety objectives.
