Already in April this year, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Latvijas Gāze donated EUR 100,000 to the foundation Support Fund of Riga East University Hospital.

“The energy and health sectors have something in common – what we do today will resonate in the future, in the well-being and health of the society. As one of the leaders in the Baltic energy sector, Latvijas Gāze sees that we can take care of the well-being of our citizens both directly by advocating a clean environment and sustainable energy use, and indirectly by supporting the health sector and its employees. This is the reason we decided to provide support to the hospital,” said Aigars Kalvītis, the Chairman of the Board of Latvijas Gāze.

Kalvītis expressed satisfaction that the invested funds and purchased technologies will help to ensure the long-term efficiency of LIC operations, as well as to reduce expenses in the conditions of insufficient funding, so the resources saved can be invested in solving other acute problems.

With the use of the received funds, the Fund has purchased more than 6,000 personal protective equipment units, 12 non-contact digital thermometers, three intensive care X-ray Permeable beds with the ability to determine the patient's weight and to remotely adjust its height and inclination, such as turning the patient sideways and moving to another bed with less physical effort. One peripheral vein navigation device and two innovative plasma technology devices Novaerus Defend 1050, which perform air disinfection and purification, thus preventing viruses, bacteria, mould and unpleasant odours from spreading indoors, have also been purchased.

“There is always more need than capabilities, therefore, any aid is important to us. Although Covid-19 patients are still being treated in our hospital, we have returned to our daily routine, i.e., we are responsible for treating patients with other infectious diseases as well. We are particularly pleased to have been able to purchase innovative equipment and devices that help to improve the treatment process while reducing the risk of infection for doctors, making work easier and improving the working conditions. Work efficiency improves and resources are saved,” explained Professor Baiba Rozentāle, LIC Chief Physician.

According to Rozentāle, the purchased equipment and devices are complimentary to the comprehensive health care system for patients and personnel where each stage, starting from hand disinfection and personal protective equipment up to air disinfection, has its own important role. It is especially important during the anticipation of the second wave of Covid-19 is, as well as during the preparation for other seasonal viruses that will remain in Latvia.

For example, under the agreements concluded, LIC will be supplied with intensive care X-ray permeable beds, which include various functional solutions that allow operations to be performed remotely. This means that medical personnel do not have to come into direct contact with the infected patient at that time and there is no need to wear full protective clothing, thus saving money.

According to Rozentāle, a special novelty is the Novaerus device. The innovative and portable device with patented technology (ultra-low energy plasma) quickly destroys viruses, bacteria, fungi and mould spores at the DNA level. Novaerus cleans the air of allergens and volatile organic compounds, as well as eliminates unpleasant odours.

“This device allows us to create another layer of safety, which will be important when seasonal viruses start. We have placed both of these devices directly in the Out Patient Clinic of LIC, as the largest and most intensive patient movement is there, as well as the most direct contact with the medical personnel. We are grateful to the company Latvijas Gāze for their support, which allows us to improve the working conditions of doctors and the process and result of the patients' treatment,” Rozentāle emphasised.

According to the representative of the equipment manufacturer in Latvia, SIA Biomark manager Marsela Boka, it is important that now, we can offer the Latvian medical institutions innovative, safe and effective long-term solutions for the protection of patients and medical personnel in high-risk situations.

Novaerus Defend 1050 is an air disinfection and purification device of a patented innovative ultra-low energy plasma technology. It combines six plasma coils with a direct deactivation mechanism together with a multi-stage filter system for the filtration of fine particles. When exposed to the plasma energy field directly, pathogens in the air such as bacterial cells, viruses, and mould spores are inactivated at the DNA level.

“It is a long-researched technology that is completely safe for humans, which does not form harmful chemical by-products and is intended for continuous 24-hour use. This technology has been researched and clinically validated in NASA laboratories for more than 15 years and is used in spacecraft for air purification and mould risk prevention as well. More than 30 independent laboratory virus studies have been conducted in the UK, Denmark, the US and elsewhere,” said Boka.

The proven efficacy of Novaerus plasma is almost 99.99%, which is essential for LIC. It does not generate harmful by-products and the equipment does not require specialised maintenance. One device consumes less energy than a 40 watt light bulb. The air is sucked into the device and filtered between the plasma coils. Properly operated, the equipment is expected to function for more than 10 years.

“In my opinion, one of the advantages is that the equipment is portable and the result it has produced is maintained for a longer period of time. This means that it can be used in several departments, thus further increasing its efficiency,” added Rozentāle.

On Friday, 21 August during a face-to-face event, media representatives had the opportunity to find out more detailed information about the Novaerus device, as well as they had an exclusive opportunity to take a remote look at the daily routine of the intensive care unit. Inga Krupnova, the head of the Intensive Care and Resuscitation Department, talked about it.

Imants Paeglītis, the Chairman of the Board of Riga East University Hospital, and Ardis Platkājis, a representative of the Foundation Riga East University Hospital Support Fund, participated in the event as well.