Lighting firm helps hospitals fight bugs
12:22pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Business News
A FIRM which has developed special lighting to stop hospital superbugs highlighted its latest technology to shadow health minister Andy Burnham.
Atherton-based MHA Lighting explained how its award-winning lighting helps the fight against infections to the Leigh Labour MP.
The company, in Station Approach, makes patented LED lights which are fully sealed to stop dust, bacteria and dead insects from gathering around warm light fittings which can assist the spread of superbugs.
The LEDs have a sevenyear life span, stopping the need for routine maintenance and bulb replacement, which also helps stop bacteria spreading.
The LED lights burn just 20 per cent of the energy of traditional fluorescent lights – which cuts Co2 emissions and energy bills by 80 per cent.
Mr Burnham said: “Energy-efficient lighting helps save the NHS money and reduces the carbon footprint.The money saved can be directly ploughed back into frontline services.
“Trusts are always seeking ways to free up money for clinical care and the battle against superbugs is continuous.
“MHA Lighting seems to have a product that can help the NHS on both fronts. Its healthcare application poses a huge opportunity for the company.”
The business was founded in 2009 and is a subsidiary company of MHA Int-Elect, which has more than 10 years’ experience in designing and developing electronics.
Its patented technology has the advantages of traditional lighting — giving uniform, fresh light — but uses greener LED technology MHA enjoyed 500 per cent growth last year and has recruited 36 employees in the past two years. It has also appointed its first apprentice and a further three are to be recruited soon.
Tom Harrison, the firm’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to have Mr Burnham’s support for our LED technology and plans for our business growth.
“MHA Lighting is already an incredible success story but it has been far from easy. The company needs support and strong, passionate advocates like Mr Burnham to help take it to the next level.”
