We all love our phones, but when used in hospital wards they have the potential to pick up and spread dangerous superbugs.
A new study by investigators at The Wesley Research Institute, The University of Queensland and the Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) aims to find out just how big a problem this is – and whether exposure to special ultraviolet light (UV-C) can make phones safer for use in hospitals.
Every year, more than 200,000 Australians pick up an infection while in hospital. Many of these bugs are tough, antibiotic-resistant types that make people sicker for longer and, sadly, claim thousands of lives. Phones are essential tools for providing hospital staff with all the information they need to provide best patient care and are used constantly by doctors, nurses, patients and visitors. However, they can also act as carriers for pathogens.
Led by infectious diseases specialist Dr Hugh Wright at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital and researchers from the Critical Care Research Group and The Prince Charles Hospital, the project team is looking closely at mobile phones in intensive care units and operating theatres, observing how phones are used day-to-day and swabbing phones before and after a quick 10-second UV-C clean.
Early findings show just how easily phones can become reservoirs for harmful bacteria.
Dr Hugh Wright
“Mobile phones are essential tools, but we need to treat them the same way we treat our hands. A 10-second UV-C clean could slot straight into existing hand-washing routines and give patients extra protection.”
CCRG Research Fellow Dr Adrian Goldsworthy said the project could “redefine infection control in hospitals worldwide”.
By combining cutting-edge microbiology with practical solutions, we’re working to protect patients and healthcare workers alike.
Dr Adiran Goldsworthy
It is hoped that results will be published in leading medical journals and presented at major conferences, including the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Conference to encourage hospitals worldwide to adopt UV-C phone cleaning.
This study is supported by Wesley Research Institute’s 2025 research grant rounds, which focused on supporting health care professionals across the UnitingCare Queensland network of hospitals to pursue impactful clinical research.
Read The Courier Mail feature here.