NCH Healthcare System Sends Coronavirus-Killing Robot to Disinfect Local Restaurants

NAPLES, Fla. – May 5, 2020 – NCH is sending one of its Xenex Germ-Zapping robots to several local restaurants as a way of saying “thank you” to those businesses who collectively donated thousands of meals to NCH staff during this pandemic. Yesterday, NCH sent it’s robot to Sails Restaurant and Bellini on Fifth with plans to disinfect Lake Park Diner, La Colmar, Bill’s Café, and New York Pizza & Pasta by the end of the week.

The Xenex Germ-Zapping robot has been proven effective in killing Coronavirus and other germs and viruses that may linger on surfaces by using powerful UV light. NCH received 4 of the robots back in February as an added level of disinfection to cleaning protocols already in place at our hospitals to help further lower hospital acquired infection rates. With the coronavirus pandemic impacting the globe, the decision was made to acquire 5 more bringing the fleet of virus-killing machines to nine. The expense for all nine robots was covered by the generous donations from members of the board of trustees and other community members.

“When we think of the restaurant industry, we know they have their cleaning protocols in place. We know they’re following the guidelines to keep diners safe,” said Georgine Kruedelbach, RN, Director of NCH Infection Prevention. “The robots and the UV light give just an extra layer of protection to complement everything else.”

NCH is happy to be able to give back to these establishments who gave so much to us, as they begin to reopen their doors to the public.

“We are incredibly thankful that the community rallied behind NCH during this pandemic, and now it’s our turn to thank our community,” said NCH President & CEO, Paul Hiltz. “We are thrilled to offer the services of our germ-zapping robots to help these restaurants demonstrate our shared commitment to keep our community safe.”

About NCH Healthcare System
The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, multi-facility healthcare system located in Naples, Florida, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The System is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of 775 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Collier County and southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health
care to our community. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.