Damaged healthcare surfaces are among the most overlooked infection risks in Australian facilities—and they’re often hidden in plain sight. Under bed linen, small tears or cracks in mattresses, stretchers, and clinical furniture can quietly undermine infection prevention efforts. With approximately 165,000 healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occurring in Australian hospitals each year—costing an estimated $3.5 billion—the need to address this issue has never been more urgent.

Around 30% of healthcare surfaces are damaged at any given time, and these compromised areas cannot be properly cleaned. That creates a direct pathway for pathogens such as MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile. In fact, damaged mattress covers have been formally linked to infection risks, with evidence showing fluids can penetrate internal layers, leading to cross-contamination.

Despite this, current practices across many facilities remain inadequate. Temporary fixes like tape or plaster are commonly used—but these are not fluid-impervious, are not clinically validated, and do not restore a hygienic surface. They may also expose organisations to compliance risks under NSQHS Standard 3 and the Aged Care Quality Standards.

This is where CleanPatch provides a clinically validated alternative. CleanPatch is the only TGA-approved medical surface repair patch system designed specifically to restore damaged healthcare surfaces to an intact, fluid-impervious, and fully cleanable state. Application is simple: clean the area, peel, and apply. Within 60 seconds, the surface is ready for use—no tools, training, or downtime required.

There are three variants designed for different applications:

• CleanPatch^® (Stretch Material): for mattresses, stretchers, and coated surfaces
• CleanPatch^®-P: for gel pads and positioners
• CleanPatch^®-V: for vinyl surfaces such as chairs, wheelchairs, and exam tables

CleanPatch is supported by peer-reviewed clinical evidence. A published study found no significant difference in microbial growth between CleanPatch and standard mattress surfaces, both before and after cleaning. Importantly, 98.3% of patches remained intact during testing, demonstrating durability under real-world conditions.

Beyond infection prevention, the financial and environmental impact is significant. Approximately 80% of damaged surfaces can be repaired rather than replaced, delivering around 95% cost savings. Case studies show facilities saving tens of thousands of dollars by repairing instead of replacing equipment. At the same time, reducing premature disposal helps address the 13 kg of waste generated per hospital bed per day.

Common objections highlight the current mindset:

• “We already use tape.” Tape is not registered, not validated, and does not restore a hygienic surface. CleanPatch is TGA-approved and clinically tested.
• “It’s cheaper to replace.” Evidence shows the opposite—repair programs consistently deliver substantial cost savings compared to replacement.

To help facilities take action, the Mattress Integrity Assessment (MIA) Program provides a structured way to identify, classify, and repair damage. This includes inspection, immediate repair of eligible surfaces, and a detailed report with financial and clinical insights. It also establishes ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term compliance and safety.

Ultimately, damaged surfaces represent a hidden but preventable risk. CleanPatch offers a simple, evidence-based solution that supports infection control, reduces costs, and improves sustainability—helping healthcare providers maintain safer environments for patients and staff.

Concerned about damaged surfaces in your facility? Speak with our team to understand how CleanPatch can support your infection prevention, compliance, and cost-saving goals.

Call us: 1300 04 05 06

Email: hello@crescenthealthcare.com.au

View the full list of referenced materials here.