Our Journey to Healthcare

As we began building cleaning systems for hospitals, we realized that many of the decontamination technologies used in other industries had not yet been applied to healthcare.

In fact, one of our first observations was that in healthcare, “clean” was described more as a process than a result – for example, rather than stating that a surgical device needs to achieve *this* level of cleanliness, the cleaning process was defined by guidelines specifying how long to clean and which chemicals to use - with no way to ensure that specific results were achieved.

"Clean" as an Outcome

In other industries, the process to achieve “clean” is less important than the ultimate outcome: A “clean” result is something that can be observed and quantified.

Through a joint effort with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, we actually began looking inside surgical devices that had been manually cleaned and sterilized following the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Photos were captured from the interior lumens of these tools, and protein and hemoglobin contents were measured. In each case, we found bioburden remaining inside of the tools. This was alarming because in many cases, a sterile crust had formed on top of bioburden and microorganisms below that layer were still active – a possible source of infection.

As a result of this study, we began aggressively attacking the issue of cleaning and decontamination as it related to healthcare acquired infections (HAIs). With our experiences from other industries, we knew how to build automated machines to clean even the most intricate parts with consistent results.

Focus on Clean Results

In healthcare, minimally invasive surgical instruments are among the most challenging items to clean due to their narrow lumens and delicate structures. To tackle this problem, we built the Tempest – a fully automated cleaning and decontamination system for cannulated surgical instruments.

The Tempest utilizes cleaning technology from the automotive industry and a unique two-phase water-air flush that is used in the oil and HVAC industries to remove trapped contaminants that cannot be removed with brushing. The Tempest also uses bacteria-killing technology that we developed for the food and beverage industry to disinfect reusable plastic water bottles.

Product Developments

On the fabrication side of our business, we have begun using EPA-approved CuVerro® copper alloys to replace stainless steel for high-touch items – such as table tops, carts trays, IV poles, and clipboards. Surfaces made from CuVerro® antimicrobial copper alloys kill 99.9% of bacteria within two hours.* Midbrook Medical is proud to be registered with the EPA as a manufacturer of these products because these items play a role in patient protection.

Other patient protection items include our MediCount ATP Testing Kits that are used to validate the cleanliness of the environment, and our Fall Prevention Kits that help a facility proactively protect patients who are at risk of injuries from falling.

We also offer hospitals and clinics many cost-saving alternatives to buying and servicing equipment. Our full line of Sterilblue Refurbished Equipment guarantees “like new” with “like-new” warranties for a fraction of the cost. Most facilities save 30-70% from buying refurbished equipment.

Likewise, we offer a Comprehensive Service Program (CSP) that protects all of the equipment in a facility under one contract – versus maintaining individual service agreements with a number of different vendors. Facilities that sign up for the CSP can save as much as 20% in the first year.

Testimonials

I wanted to express my appreciation of your excellent customer service and high quality refurbished equipment. You have contributed much toward making the opening of our two Simulation Centers in Round Rock and Bryan, Texas, a huge success. As an organization that is always concerned with getting the best value for the Texas A&M Health Science Center, we had selected another company to provide the equipment for our Bryan Simulation Center. They led us to believe they could provide the same level of responsiveness as your company, but at a lower price. Unfortunately, they did not deliver on their promises and, due to the timeline, we found ourselves facing a grand opening with no equipment. We appreciate the fact that with one phone call your company quickly stepped up to help us with our situation and get all the equipment required in the time frame needed. Not only were you responsive to our needs, but we were very impressed with the quality and performance of the quipment provided. I look forward to continuing our relationship with you.

Sincerely,
Benny Holland, RN, MPH
Director, Simulation Centers

We purchased refurbished beds, Viasys vent, exam tables, and IV pumps from Sterilblue/Midbrook for a new facility to house our School of Nursing. Our Nursing Department is very pleased with all of this equipment. They have said that next to new, you cannot tell the difference. We will definitely consider any refurbished or remanufactured items that you offer because we’ve been so pleased with these items.

Sincerely,
Diana Boubel
Director of Procurement and Property Services

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital has purchased Hill-Rom Beds, Stryker stretchers and power equipment from you over the past 18 months to support our expansions and service demands. We have been pleased with the value these purchases have brought to our facility. Our nursing staff was happy to standardize on the beds and stretchers and are pleased with the equipment. I have been pleased the representation from you have provided and understanding our needs. This has been a part of providing an optimal patient care environment.
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital would definitely consider using refurbished equipment from Midbrook-Sterilblue in the future. Thanks for partnering with us.

Sincerely,
Michael Everett, CMRP
Associate Administrator
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

We love everything! Our carts are wonderful, roll so well , and just great size. The tables and stands are working out perfectly. Very pleased with your product.

University of Missouri

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Jackson awarded their 2010 Jackson County Government Contractor of the Year Award to Midbrook Inc. Midbrooks’ success in the Federal government contracting arena is due to perseverance, hard work and applying the knowledge gleaned through PTAC guidance . Midbrook is a shining example of what a company can achieve selling to the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services.

Pennie Southwell, Program Director
PTAC of South Central Michigan

In the past several years, Physicians Medical Center has purchased a variety of items from your company. These items ranged from stainless steel tables; electrical equipment such as: Passport 2 Cardiac Monitors and Force 2 Electrosurgical Units and a replacement tube for our CT unit.

Whenever we are in need of equipment, you are the first person that we contact. It is nice to be able to count on your services to locate quality equipment and follow-up after the sale. We will continue to consider Midbrook/Steriblue for our refurbished or remanufactured equipment needs.

Sincerely,
Connie Martin
Administrator
Physicians Medical Center
Houma, Louisiana